Mooresville residents and visitors preview the new bicentennial garden before its dedication Friday.

Mooresville Mayor Margaret-Anne Crumlish made sure to thank all involved Friday for their efforts and support in bringing one more reason for people to visit the historic town older than the state.

The garden, dedicated Friday morning next to the Brick Church in Mooresville, features bronze map of the town’s streets and a carefully selected array of plants native to the area and educational signs recounting the history of the town.

“The addition of our bicentennial garden (is) a project that ensures the preservation of Mooresville’s history for future generations and, more importantly, an opportunity to share this history,” Crumlish said. “Until today, most daily visitors just get to walk our tree-shaded streets and peek through the picket fence and wonder.”

Now, she said, the garden will serve as “a place where visitors can belong, unwind and experience Mooresville’s tranquility.”

State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, also spoke at the dedication, which served as the conclusion of the town’s 15-month bicentennial series, “Behind the Picket Fence…History Lives.”

“I have to give a lot of credit to the local leadership in Mooresville for doing projects like this,” Orr said. “In my mind, you all are such a steward of not just the history in the area but the state.”

Mooresville is located at the south end of Mooresville Road in Limestone County. Crumlish said the town had 51 residents as of Friday.