Charlotte, North Carolina is steeped in history. From historic plantations, to turn of the century trolleys, to the birth home of one of our presidents, there is no shortage of historical sites in Charlotte! Read on for more information about historical sites in this charming Southern city.
Rosedale Plantation - Charlotte Museum of History
- James K. Polk Historic Site
- Charlotte Trolley
- Rural Hill Farm
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum
- Latta Plantation
- Bojangle’s Coliseum
- Dunhill Hotel
- Fourth Ward
Take an informational tour of this enchanting, historic house. Educational tours range from the “Plantation Children’s’ life” to the “Unheard Voices Tour” which chronicles the life of African American slaves on the historic Rosedale Plantation. To visit Rosedale Plantation, please go to: HistoricRosedale.org.
The Charlotte Museum of History’s jewel in its crown is the Hezekiah Alexander Homestead Site. It’s no wonder that the Hezekiah Alexander House draws a crowd: when visiting this restored homesite you can learn about the lives of Charlotteans in the 1700s. For more about this history museum please visit: www.CharlotteMuseum.org.
View the birth home of America’s 11th president and you will see a quaint log home with a separate barn and kitchen. Take in the authentic furnishings of this restored landmark as you learn about Polk’s presidential leadership. For more about the James K. Polk Historic Site please visit: www.NCHistoricSites.org.
Take a ride on one of Charlotte’s authentic trolleys and see history in action! On a beautifully restored trolley, sit back and listen to educated tour guides brief you on Charlotte history, the role of the trolley in forming the city, and how we got where we are today. You might even receive insider info on smart city planning! For more about one of the local’s favorite Charlotte historical attractions please visit: www.CharlotteTrolley.org
Rural Hill Farm is a center for Scottish history and pride in Charlotte and serves to memorialize all of the Scots and Scotch-Irish who immigrated to the Carolinas in the 18th Century and helped build our country. At Rural Hill Farm you can participate in authentic Highland games, watch sheep dog trials – where 100s of border collies are charged with rounding up livestock and performing daily farm tasks, or you can even help celebrate Tartan Day. For one of the most interactive Charlotte historical sites, visit Rural Hill Farm! For more information please see: www.RuralHillFarm.org.
Housed in a 79-year-old fire station, the Fire Education Center and Museum documents the history of firefighting in Charlotte. Visit this unique museum and learn how brave Charlotteans fought fires in the early 1900s. For more information about one of the most unique Charlotte historical sites, please visit: www.Charmeck.org.
This living history farm dates back to the 1800s when it was a functional cotton plantation. Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, the Latta Plantation serves as a testament to 19th century plantation life. If you would like to know more about one of the most interesting Charlotte historical attractions please visit: www.LattaPlantation.org.
Tons of music greats have graced this Charlotte venue’s stage, including Bob Dylan, Elvis, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Queen. In addition, Bojangle’s Coliseum hosts bull-riding competitions, rodeos, and figure skating. If you would like to view one of the best Charlotte historical attractions please visit: www.BojanglesColiseum.com.
The Dunhill Hotel originally opened as the Mayfair Manor in 1929. The marble floored penthouse and double balconies attest to the careful craftsmanship that went into creating the Dunhill. Designed by renowned architect Louis Asbury, Sr., the Dunhill retains a European ambience and is decorated in neo-classical and 18th century embellishments. For more information about one of the most important structures in Charlotte’s skyline please visit: www.DunhillHotel.com.
Charlotte’s Fourth Ward dates back to the 1800s when it was a sophisticated neighborhood of the city’s elite. Today, its tree lined streets, wide front porches, and old-fashioned street lamps give the Fourth Ward a quiet charm. With its Charleston-style row houses, the Fourth Ward exhibits some of the best architecture in the city! For more information about one of the best historical sites in Charlotte please visit: www.CharlotteCenterCity.org