Legacies

McLean is a community rich with legacies that add to its unique charm and character. The history of McLean is deeply intertwined with the region’s development and the influential figures who have shaped it. Notably, two historic McLean houses stand on the property, each contributing to the community’s storied past. One of these houses, dating back to the 1850s, is listed on the Gaston County Historic Registry. This house, known as the restored John Davidson McLean house, is named after one of the region’s first physicians and is located adjacent to McLean’s Community Garden.

Locals fondly remember this historic home as the site of The Plantation House antiques store, which operated from the 1970s to the early 1990s. The Plantation House was owned by Daniel Stowe, a prominent textile magnate who acquired what was known as Seven Oaks after World War II.

Stowe’s influence on McLean is profound; he planted cherry trees that still flank the walk to his former homestead and created three fishing ponds beside the lake. His generosity extended beyond McLean as he donated the land for what is now Daniel Stowe Conservancy, realizing his vision of a nationally renowned garden for the Charlotte region. In addition to these contributions, Daniel Stowe also cultivated the land here, growing crops and enhancing the agricultural legacy of the area.

In the spirit of honoring this legacy, McLean built community gardens on a 6-acre plot of land adjacent to the John Davidson McLean home. These gardens not only provide fresh produce but also serve as a reminder of the area’s rich agricultural heritage.

Lake Wylie, too, holds historical significance, honoring Dr. Jake Wylie, a leader who reshaped the region a century ago. Dr. Wylie and his partners built the dam and hydroelectric plant that powered the region’s many textile mills, transforming this stretch of the Catawba River into Lake Wylie. Their efforts not only provided essential power but also created the beautiful lake that McLean residents enjoy today.

The legacies of these influential figures are woven into the fabric of McLean, making it a community that honors its past while building towards vibrant future.