Our Visit to Downtown Sanford Historic District
Want to know what happens when a town honors its history? They protect their architectural heritage with a designated historic district, creating vibrancy amid history.
Sanford, North Carolina is one such place. This small town of 30,000 has five historic districts and several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
We were in Sanford for a funeral. On the way to the church, we passed through the Downtown Historic District. Taking note, I mentioned to Tom that I wanted to see that area before we left town. (He knows I LOVE architecture!)
Our visit was brief but here are a few treasures we found.
Historic Buildings in the Downtown District
Railroad House built in 1872
Railroad House
Our first stop was the Railroad House. It is actually the oldest building in Sanford. Constructed in 1872, it served as the depot agent’s home.
Now, the building houses an impressive collection of artifacts important to area history. It is also one of two structures in the downtown district with a separate National Register listing.
The Railroad House is in Depot Park along with the Union Passenger Depot, also built in 1872, and a 1911 steam locomotive.
Want to know more about the park? Read about it in our post—Old Depot has Renewed Purpose in Historic Railroad Town.
1908 Coca-Cola Building
Coca-Cola Building
Turn around opposite the Railroad House and you see the Coca-Cola Building. The original 1908 building was remodeled in the 1920’s to what you see now.
At one time, structures had branding built into the facade, hence the logo and Coke bottles still remain. This mixture of brick, glass block, and decorative terra cotta is eye-catching, even from across the way.
Old City Hall
Next to the Coca-Cola Building you see the Old City Hall, completed in 1910. As most city buildings still do, this one was multi-use.
It served as meeting space for town officials and various groups. It also home to the volunteer fire department.
The arched fire-wagon doors were later replaced with storefront window-door combination.
Stunning architectural details include round windows and dome like roof with columns in the 3-story tower. Can’t miss seeing this one.
Old City Hall built in 1910
1930 Carolina Hotel
Carolina Hotel
Another downtown treasure is the Carolina Hotel, built in 1930. The four-story brick building features multiple arches across the roofline and surrounding the entrance. Did you notice the French doors and balcony in the center arch?
1924 Masonic Temple building detail
Masonic Temple
The 1924 Masonic Temple building is down the block from the Hotel. Currently unoccupied, new owners have a vision for this once magnificent building.
Upstairs will house 9 apartments once renovation is completed. Basement area will continue as retail space.
Want to see the inside now? Check out this report with photos and video. I can’t wait to see the finished project!
Temple Theatre built in 1925
Temple Theatre
Opening in 1925, the Temple Theatre is also one of two Historic District buildings with a separate National Register listing. Once serving as a Vaudeville house, it now provides high-quality productions year-round.
Downtown Sanford and the Chamber of Commerce created a map for the "Historic Downtown Walking Tour." You can download the map here.
Plenty of Shops, Pleasant People
All along our walk, we met friendly people--southern hospitality at its best. While there were many places to see, we only stepped into two shops during our brief downtown stroll.
Darth Vader was one item that caught our eye.
The Antique Mall
What can you find in one 18,000 square foot store? Lots, especially if you love antiques and vintage stuff. We found The Antique Mall packed to the brim with exciting finds at every turn.
I browsed while Tom had a great visit with the owners who were both charming and pleasant. (Tom briefly lived in Sanford and was asking about old friends.)
Custom arched door storefront approved by the Historic Committee.
The Chocolate Cellar
Next to the Carolina Hotel you’ll find the Chocolate Cellar. Does the word "chocolate" draw you in no matter what? It does us. We had to go inside.
It was actually our first stop after visiting Depot Park. We loved it enough to write about the experience—and yes, this shop is something to experience!
You can read more about the Chocolate Cellar in our blog post "Yummy, Artistic, and Awesome Truffles."
The Downtown Mural Trail
After strolling, we decided to drive through the remaining streets downtown. What did we find besides more awesome architecture and shops? Murals everywhere! Sanford has 11 murals on their “trail.”
We snapped four pics during the drive—and yep, we were total tourists stopping in the middle of the street at times. Two of our images are on the trail. The other two are old-fashioned advertisements. We saw many of the others but didn't get photos.
Sanford Spinners
Sanford Spinners
Ever heard of the Tobacco State League? We hadn't either and we're big baseball fans. (But this was a little before our time.)
It was in operation from 1945-50, just 5 short years but the Sanford Spinners were champions of the league for 3 of the 5 years. Go baseball!!
Herb Thomas and the Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Herb Thomas' Hudson Hornet
If you love NASCAR, you’ll most likely know the man this mural honors. Herb Thomas, instrumental in NASCAR’s beginning is one of its greatest drivers. He is in both the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Find these two murals and all the rest on the map. You can download it HERE.
Old-fashioned Coca-Cola advertisement covers a building wall.
"Love Where You Live" is Obvious in the Historic District
Now that you’ve seen a little bit of downtown Sanford, why do we say it’s full of life? It’s the people—those who have put their hearts into the town they call home.
Everywhere you look, you see a downtown that honors its history. Historic preservation is very important to Sanford’s residents.
If you’re looking for a sweet little town to spend the day, try Sanford. Eat at the restaurants. Do a little shopping. Meet the people. Downtown Sanford is full of life.
Ever-familiar Dr. Pepper
About Sanford, North Carolina
Not even a town in the beginning, Sanford started as a railroad crossing—literally—where two separate lines crossed in the middle of the state in 1871.
Landowners next to the rail lines seized the opportunity. They laid out a town around the railroad and auctioned off lots.
Soon after, the new town became known as “Sanford,” in honor of Charles O. Sanford. He was the engineer responsible for railroad construction through the county. Incorporation followed on February 11, 1874.
Sanford sits 45 miles SW of the state capital, Raleigh. Serving as the county seat, Sanford’s population exceeds 30,000.
Looking for more small towns to explore?
Check out our "Destinations" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
What a wonderful article on an evolving, growing, thriving small city. Thank you for your terrific perspective.
Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed our visit!
Loved this ! Grew up near these buildings! Great documentation. Spent my first 61 years there.
Thank you Elizabeth. What a great place to spend so much of your life. No doubt you have wonderful memories of Sanford.
I love the murals! I didn’t know dr. Pepper was good for life haha!
Must be….Dr. said! The murals are cool and there are so many more we didn’t photograph.