From Beaver Dam to Marshville

Learn the origins of Beaver Dam, from a group of brave settlers looking for an opportunity, to lands ravaged by war and the rebuilding that would take place after the smoke had settled.

A Rough Start

The town of Marshville has a colorful and rich history starting in the mid 18th century when western Europeans and settlers from Pennsylvania decided to begin their lives in a valley they called "Beaver Dam". These brave voyagers were farmers, trappers, and laborers looking for new opportunities and bountiful lands. Nearly a century later, the civil war left Beaver Dam with a difficult road ahead. Like many other towns in the south, Beaver Dam faced many years of struggle and hardship as farmers in the reconstruction era worked to survive. A long challenging road was ahead of them, but at least the war was behind them and they could begin to rebuild their homes.

Planting the Seeds of Community

Around the turn of the 20th century, the Central Carolina Railroad company came to a town officially known as Griffinsville, but still colloquially known as Beaver Dam. Alongside the railroad company, the Marsh family ushered in an era of economic growth and development with their donations of land for many entrepreneurs and towns people. Mr. and Mrs. J.W Marsh donated land for churches, a town hall, an educational institution, a cemetery, and many local businesses such as J.W Hasty's Sales and Livery Barn, M.K Lee's Mercantile, and Harrell Bros. and Co. The town would eventually become chartered under the name "Marshville", quite fitting in remembrance of the towns long time beneficiary and friend