Charlotte History Discover the fascinating history of Charlotte, North Carolina

Unbeknownst to most, Charlotte has a rich history steeped in the discovery of gold and the pride of Scots-Irish settlers. The Queen City was founded in 1768 and named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. Now the nation’s second leading financial center, Charlotte was originally built at the crossroads of two Native-American trading paths. The intersection of these two paths, now major streets, is known as the heart of Charlotte – “Trade & Tryon.”

The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 drew many immigrants to the area in what became the nation’s first gold rush. However, the boom was short-lived. The many Charlotte opportunists ready to strike it rich moved on to California in 1848. Agriculture, mainly tobacco and cotton, was the major revenue provider for the region in the years before the Civil War. After the war, textile industries sprang to life as the city became cotton processing center and a major railroad hub.

As a result of the railroads’ success, Charlotte became the Carolinas’ largest city and a Southeastern textile and distribution hub. The city’s neighborhoods continued to expand with the addition of the streetcar system, followed by businesses, skyscrapers and suburbs. City planners including the renowned John Nolen helped to shape Charlotte’s modern-day suburbs such as Myers Park and Dilworth.

As businesses continued to flock to Charlotte, the city’s banking industry gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s under the leadership of financier Hugh McColl. McColl transformed North Carolina National Bank into the present-day Bank of America. The combination of Bank of America and Wachovia made Charlotte the nation’s second-largest banking center, behind New York City.

While You are in Charlotte… – Points of Interest

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1. The Billy Graham Library Journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century.

2. U.S. National Whitewater Center The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a non-profit, recreation and adventure facility for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

3. NASCAR Hall of Fame The NASCAR Hall of Fame is where legends live on. Where fun lives on. Where the race lives on. Enjoy amazing artifacts, interactive exhibits, simulator rides and special events at the High Octane Theater.

4. Carowinds A mecca of family fun, this 105-acre theme/water park features rides that thrill and live entertainment.

5. ImaginOn ImaginOn is a collaborative venture of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children's Theatre of Charlotte. With cutting edge services and library collections, award-winning professional theatre and innovative education programs, ImaginOn brings stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire and excite young minds.

6. Levine Museum of the New South Visitors are awed by the interactive, multi-sensory exhibits at this museum dedicated to exploring the Southern United States during the post-Civil War period.

7. Discovery Place Step inside an amazing world of science and spend a day at Discovery Place, one of Charlotte’s most popular attractions. Featuring hands-on fun for everyone, guests can walk the rainforest, enjoy jaw-dropping experiments or wonder at the underwater world in the new aquarium.

8. Dana Rader Golf School Treat yourself to an extraordinary golf experience at a Golf Magazine Top 25 Golf School in America! Dana Rader Golf School is a must for all those who wish to have a good hand at the game or have always wanted to learn how to play. Located at the prestigious Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, its award-winning team of certified LPGA and PGA instructors, exceptional teaching approach, unmatched facilities, and use of the latest state-of-the- art technological equipment make it the best golf teaching and practice facility in the state.

9. Lake Norman Blazing sunsets, awesome sports action, boats cruising along aqua waters, and beautiful blue skies make Lake Norman an incredibly scenic destination.

10. Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panther’s Home Game of 10-18); Carolinas Aviation Museum; Harvey Gantt Center for African- American Arts + Culture; Carolina Thread Trail

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