During the early stages of the American Revolution, divided loyalties often erupted in violence. In 1776, neighbors supporting the British monarchy hanged 15-year-old Patriot Isaac Wise not far from here. Fellow Patriot Simon Haas, owner of the property, buried Wise and supplied North Carolina Patriot troops until his death a few years later, when he was interred alongside Wise. For the next 60 years, burials continued there in what became known as Haas Cemetery, named for the Haas family who still owned the land. In 1834, George Haas designated the property's use for the public good, directing that the land also serve as a school house and burial ground. Today, the Historical Association of Catawba County, St. James Lutheran Church, and private volunteers dedicated to heritage preservation care for the cemetery.