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History

Sanford’s story is written in its streets. From historic districts to landmark architecture, every corner offers a glimpse into the past that shaped the community.

Downtown Sanford Historic Walking Tour
Lee County Library Walking Tour

East Sanford Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, this district encompasses 135 contributing buildings and one site, largely dated between about 1894 to 1960. Notable spots include East Sanford Graded School, the Deaton-Makepeace House and Sanford Chapel.

The Historic Railroad House

The Railroad House is a historic home in downtown Sanford. It was built for the depot agent in 1872 by the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railroad. Currently, it operates as a museum.

House in the Horseshoe

Also known as the Alston house, this plantation home is named for its location on a horseshoe bend in the Deep River. The house features antiques of the colonial and Revolutionary War eras.

Seaboard Milling Company

This three-story, roller mill built in 1915-1916 still stands in Sanford, NC today. In 2002, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Downtown Sanford Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this district encompasses 53 contributing buildings, largely dated between about 1895 to 1930. Among them, you’ll find the Railroad House and the Temple Theatre.

Lee Avenue Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, this district encompasses 70 contributing buildings in the historic village of Jonesboro. Buildings largely date between about 1882 to the 1940s and include the Pierce-Seawell House, Barnes House and the Jonesboro Methodist Church Parsonage.

Lee County Courthouse

Built in 1908, the Lee County Courthouse is an example of the Classical Revival style of historic architecture. It made the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

W. B. Wicker School

Also know as the Lee County Training school, this historic building dates back to 1927. It served as Sanford and Lee County’s African American high school until it was decommissioned in 1969.

Endor Iron Furnace

Explore the ruins of an American Civil War iron forge constructed somewhere between 1862 and 1864. The forge stands 35 ft. tall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Temple Theatre

For decades, the Temple Theatre was Lee County’s principal seat of entertainment. Built in 1925, it reopened in 1984 as a community theater and has hosted spectacular shows and musicals ever since.

Buffalo Presbyterian Church and Cemeteries

Built in 1879, this Gothic Revival-style church represents over two centuries of history. It's the oldest Presbyterian church in Lee County. Also, on the grounds are the church's manse and various historical cemeteries.

Rosemont-McIver Park Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, this district encompasses 169 contributing houses, one site and one structure in Sanford. The houses largely date between about 1900 to the early 1940s.

John D. McIver Farm

This 19th century, two-story farmhouse was built in 1885. Also, on the property are the preserved wooden gate posts and fence, meat house, water well and corn crib.

Former Sanford High School

Now home to the Mann Center, the former Sanford High School building was built in 1925 . It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

Hawkins Avenue Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, this district encompasses 200 contributing buildings and four structures, largely dated between about 1900 to the 1930s. Notable spots include the Former Sanford High School and the former Sanford Cotton Mill Complex.

Downtown Walking Tour
Explore the architectural history of Downtown Sanford on this self-guided walking tour.
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NC Veterans Memorial Complex
The NC Veterans Memorial Complex is home to the NC Veterans Memorial Pavilion and NC Disabled Veterans Monument, which stands in celebration of the freedom we enjoy thanks to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve their country.
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Ole Gilliam Mill
Visit a reproduction of the original Gilliam Mill constructed in 1850. Every year, the park cranks up its old equipment and runs mill demonstrations for the public.
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