Davis Hospital in NC

The Old Davis Hospital in Statesville has long been linked to ghost stories, legends, and Halloween hijinks. While once a booming medical center, the hospital fell into decay and dilapidated form after closing and moving to a new location in the 1980s. Statesville residents now say goodbye to the Old Davis Hospital as the building is being torn down.

While some residents might call it an “eyesore” there’s no denying that this building (too interesting to be an eyesore in my opinion) has plenty of history. To this day, some of that history still haunts the grounds.

In 1920, Dr. James Davis, a prominent surgeon, partnered with Dr. F.A Carpenter, a local eye, ear, nose and throat specialist and opened up Carpenter-Davis Hospital. At the time it was common for doctors to make house calls as well as having a small office. The 35-bed hospital went against the grain and was pioneering for its time, establishing relationships with nurses, assistants, and associate doctors.

In 1920 the hospital established a school of nursing, and in 1925, it moved to its new location on West End Avenue.

At the time of Dr. Davis’ death in 1955, he had performed over 75,000 surgeries, a true medical accomplishment for his time. He was buried in the south lawn of the hospital and later moved to Davis Memorial Baptist Church in Wilkes County after the property was sold.

With so many advancements and medical accomplishments, it’s no surprise the hospital eventually moved to a new, larger location in 1984.

But the original Old Davis Hospital still remained throughout the years, as well as the legacy of Dr. Davis, and a few souls…