Mysterious "Santer" Wanders Streets of Statesville

Last Updated 4/25/2024 • Posted in Statesville News, Event Posts

In the fall of 1890, the residents of Downtown Statesville were terrified of stories of an animal too big to be a cat, yet quick like a panther, with sharp jagged claws, red fiery eyes, and a long pointy tail. The Statesville Landmark was the first newspaper to report that a mysterious predator was killing livestock, local pets, especially cats, and was even said to have attacked children! Soon accounts appeared in other newspapers and the Santer became a terrifying legend that still haunts these parts.

To hear more about the Santer and how it terrified the residents of Statesville, join us on The Haunted Statesville Ghost Tour. The Historic Sharpe House Players take you on a guided tour through Downtown Statesville and tell the untold stories from the beyond. The Haunted Statesville Ghost Tours are available on select Saturdays throughout the year and are provided to you thanks to Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, The Historic Sharpe House, The Sharpe House Historic Players and the City of Statesville. Click here for more information and tickets.