Historical and Descriptive Sketch

Part 1, page 1

In the Piedmont section of North Carolina, not far from the State’s southernmost borderline, is located the city of Charlotte, named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, who, in the year 1761, became the wife of George III, King of England. This marriage, which was a popular one and the occasion of much rejoicing throughout England, occurred about the time of the formation of Mecklenburg County, in North Carolina; and, as a compliment to the queen the new county was, in 1762, called for her former home, while the county seat received the name of Charlotte. This expression of loyalty to the mother-country from a people so far away was doubtless pleasing to the King, who little dreamed that the allegiance of the colonies would be boldly withdrawn before the passing of many years.

With an elevation of seven hundred and sixty feet above sea level free from marked extremes of heat and cold, and sheltered by the great Blue Ridge Mountains from storms that visit the interior, Charlotte, judged from a climatic standpoint, occupies a most favorable position. The temperature throughout the year, as shown by the United States Weather Bureau, is gen-

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erally mild and equable, with an annual mean temperature of 60 and prevailing southwesterly winds. Occasionally the winters are severe, but the periods of cold are usually of short duration. Spring opens early and killing frosts are rarely known before November. Thus, with a climate similar to that of Southern France, Charlotte enjoys an atmosphere at once bracing, temperate, and healthful.

The topography of the surrounding country shows a broken picturesque land, whose forest-crowned hills, fertile lowlands, and winding streams, present scenes from changing interest. To this genial clime, with its fertile soil, came the early settlers to find a land of plenty, but not, however, one of peace. The story of the pioneers of Mecklenburg County differs little from that in other sections of this New World whose inviting hand beckoned so alluringly across the waters and drew to its shores from the Old World stalwart sons and courageous daughters, who were to be founders of a mighty nation. In the dense forest lurked the Indian, resentful of the white man’s usurpation and ever ready to surprise and destroy the colonist and his newly-made home. By degrees, however, the red men were forced to retreat westward, and Mecklenburg was left comparatively free from Indian depredations.

The first settlers of Charlotte and its vicinity were principally the Scottish-Irish, who came with broadax and sword to open the way for liberty and civilization, bringing with them also that indomitable love for civic and religious freedom which still remains pre-eminent among the characteristics of their descendants. Colonial life here was not luxurious, nor exempt from toil. The land was to be cleared and tilled, homes built and schools and churches established, while continual vigilance was necessary to ward off attacks from the Indians. Such conditions necessitated years of toil and hardship, of unceasing activity and patient endurance.

As the years went on and the country became more thickly populated the little town of Charlotte, which had received its name six years before, was, in 1768, legally incorporated; in 1774 it was made the permanent county seat of Mecklenburg. At this early time Charlotte was only a village; its population was small, and homes were of a primitive order. A courthouse had been erected at the crossing of two county roads, which formed the center of the town. These crossroads were about that time dignified by the names of the Trade and Tryon streets-the latter name in honor of the Governor Tryon, of North Carolina. Today these two streets extend for several miles the cities most prominent thoroughfares; and their intersection in known as Independence Square, one of the most historic spots of North Carolina.

The coming storm of the American Revolution was foreshadowed throughout the country for many years before the war actually began. Oppressive taxation, unjust administration of laws, and an increasingly tyrannical government, all tended to arouse within a liberty-loving and a fearless people the spirit that had made of their kind martyrs in the old world for religion’s sake-which in the New World had nerved them to face untold dangers and even death for the safety of home and loved ones.

The people of Charlotte and of Mecklenburg, known far and wide as conservative and law-abiding citizens, were deeply stirred by the troubles which each year increased as England’s rule became more oppressive; and they realized their dearly-gained rights were fast being infringed upon. The battle of Alamance, on May 17, 1771, and other events of a like character gave rapid development to independence of thought throughout this section, and finally culminated in the bold action, in May, 1775, of the men of Mecklenburg County.

Pursuant to the order of Col. Thomas Polk, a leader both military and civil affairs, a convention as called of the representative citizens of the different militia districts into which the county was divided, to be held in the courthouse at Charlotte on the 19^th day

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May, 1775. This meeting was deemed necessary to consider the political questions of the time and to take action, if it was found advisable, in regard thereto. Abraham Alexander was elected chairman of the convention, and John Mcknitt Alexander, secretary. Excitement was at fever heat, for it was apparent that recent proclamations issued by the king and governor demanded bold action on the part of other people. Rev. Humphrey Hunter, Gen. Joseph Graham, and others who were present at the meeting, tell in their memoirs and written records, of the great enthusiasm exhibited by the people, and that it seemed as if half the men of Mecklenburg were in Charlotte that day. The issue of the period were most fully discussed, addresses listened to form able men, and the proper course of procedure deliberated upon.

While the convention was in session a horseman rode into town bearing news of the battle of Lexington, which had occurred just one month previous. Immediately all doubt and hesitancy as to the right course of action were thrown aside-men clamored for an immediate and positive declaration of independence and would be satisfied with nothing less. At an early hour on the following morning, May 20^th, resolutions which had been drawn up by Dr. Ephraim Brevard and others of a committee appointed for that purpose, were submitted to the convention, unanimously adopted and signed by the twenty-seven delegates representing the people of Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

These resolutions briefly but emphatically stated that the citizens of Mecklenburg disclaimed all allegiance to England; that their wants and rights had been "wantonly trampled upon," and that henceforth they would be a "self-governing" people under the power of God and the general Congress." Furthermore, to the maintenance of this Independence was pledged for mutual co-operation, lives, fortunes, and most sacred honor. This document, bearing the signatures of such men as the Davidsons, Polks, Wilsons, Brevards, Alexanders and others of like stamp, could not fail to be regarded with much significance throughout the country around.

On the 31^st day of May an adjourned meeting was held, and twenty resolutions adopted providing a form of government for the county which had, eleven days before, voluntarily withdrawn from the rule of England.

That the bold step taken at Charlotte was a source of much uneasiness to the royal governor, Josiah Martin, who, disapproving the violent measures taken by his predecessor, Governor Tryon, had attempted to restore harmony and order in the State, is fully shown in an address made by Governor Martin to the executive council on June 25, 1775, in a letter written by him to the Earl of Dartmouth on June 30^th, and also in a proclamation issued on August 8^th, in all of which he makes reference to the action of Mecklenburg County. On the night of the 14^th of June, in the same year, Governor Martin fled from his home at New Bern to Fort Johnson, on the Cape Fear River, and thence to an English ship lying nearby. Here, for one year, he nominally filled the office of the governor of North Carolina, and with his departure royal rule forever ended in North Carolina.

Forthwith, upon its adoption, a copy of the Mecklenburg Declaration was sent, entrusted to the care of Capt. James Jack, to the Continental Congress, then in session in Philadelphia. This august body was at the time preparing an address to the king, wherein it repudiated a desire for independence, and therefore it was not deemed advisable to publicly consider the Mecklenburg Declaration. The National Declaration of the following year shows how closely was followed the initiative steps of Mecklenburg.

In the stirring days of the Revolution, Charlotte and Mecklenburg upheld with credit and distinction the pledges made in May, 1775. Many of their citizens were prominent in the State’s military forces, and were valiant defenders of home and country.

It was not until the year 1780 that the British

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forces entered western North Carolina after overrunning Georgia and South Carolina. Major Davie and General Davidson, with a small troop of cavalry, harassed the advancing forces of Tarleton, and Davie rode into Charlotte at midnight of September 25^th, where he was joined by Major (afterward General) Joseph Graham. Outnumbered by the enemy fifteen to one, the men of Davie and Graham were, nevertheless, undaunted, and determined to make a bold stand. On the morning of the 26^th, posted advantageously under cover of a stone wall about the courthouse and along East Trade street, the American soldiers repulsed the far greater forces of the British in three separate Charges. Tarleton’s cavalry, commanded by Major Hanger, formed a line within three hundred yards of the courthouse and was supported by solid ranks of infantry. Three times they charged, and just as often were met by a steady firing that out their troops in great confusion and caused much loss of life. Cornwallis was greatly surprised and chagrined at this unexpected repulse, and finally rode to the front rebuking his men for cowardice. Nightfall approaching about this time, Graham and Davie found it necessary to retreat. They were pursed vigorously by the enemy, but under cover of night succeeded in reaching a place of safety. In this conflict, known as the battle of Charlotte, the loss of life among the American soldiers was slight compared to that among the opposing forces. Maj. Joseph Graham was among the severely wounded, and narrowly escaped death.

Cornwallis remained in Charlotte sixteen days, but his stay was not permitted to a peaceful one. The bold attack upon his foraging forces at McIntye’s farm and other places gave the British general a thoroughly uncomfortable time and caused him to dub the brave little town "The Hornet’s Nest," which historic appellation has clung to it through the succeeding years.

The battle of King’s Mountain, only thirty three miles distant, occurred on October 7^th, and was a sudden and overwhelming defeat for the forces of Major Ferguson, a favorite officer of Cornwallis. The death of Ferguson and heavy loss of life among the British troops were learned with dismay by Cornwallis. He forthwith resolved to take his departure, declaring that this was the most rebellious and ill-disposed county in America. On the 12^th of October the British recollected their line of march, leaving behind many spoils collected on their foraging expeditions. Davie and Davidson followed closely for some distance and succeeded in capturing a part if the enemy’s baggage. Charlotte was not again molested by the British during the revolution. Its soldiers rendered valuable service for the American cause throughout the war and its people supported most ardently the principles of Independence. At the close of the war the little town again resumed the life of quietude and industry it had formerly striven to maintain. Numbering less than three hundred inhabitants, it was nevertheless, considered a place of much importance, even at that early time. Here the people of the country around came to sell their farm products and to purchase the necessities of life; and here were held the county court and annual elections of members of the Provincial Congress. The county was divided at this time into militia districts, and from time to time assemblies were held in the various districts, or occasionally at Charlotte, when the entire county would be represented. These muster days, as they were termed, were held especially for the purpose of discussing political questions, but were also times of general social intercourse. They served, likewise, to disseminate news, and thus in a measure supplied the place of local newspapers, which at the time had not been instituted. Public gatherings afforded the principal diversion for the men of this period, but pleasures of this kind were denied the women and children, who remained closely at home and knew little of social enjoyments.

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Charlotte was not debarred by lack of railroads and telegraph from communication with the outside world. Trips were frequently made to Charleston, Philadelphia and other distant points, from which the travelers returned bringing newspapers and other publications of that time, in addition to a store of information gathered while away. Until the introduction of railroads the stage coach was the usual method of travel through the country, and its coming at regular was heralded with pleasure by the inhabitants of the town. In these early times trips were made on horseback and by private conveyance to Petersburg, Fayetteville, Charleston, Camden and Cheraw, which were to the people of Charlotte favorite places for shopping and trading, the goods being, hauled in wagons from these towns.

On May 25, 1791, a distinguished guest was welcomed to Charlotte in the person of gen. George Washington, who, being on a tour through the South, stopped by to visit the town which had won for itself a worthy reputation in the Revolutionary days.

Almost simultaneous with the coming of the first settlers was the introduction by them of schools and churches. The early schools of Charlotte taught only elementary branches. Books were not plentiful then, as they are now, and especially was it difficult to obtain the necessary schoolbooks. Occasionally the children of more affluent parents were sent north to obtain an education. Religious and industrial training was considered of much greater importance then mere accomplishments, and all instruction was along very practical lines.

In January, 1771, a bill was passed by the assembly of North Carolina establishing and endowing a college in Charlotte in order to meet the growing need for more advanced learning than was supplied by the State’s schools at that time. This institution, chartered by the king, was called Queen’s College, and opened with prospects of much success. Owing, however, to dissensions in the country the charter was disallowed by the king in 1773. The school continued without a charter under the name of Queen’s Museum, the people being anxious to continue a high-grade school in their midst. In 1777 another change of name was made and the school incorporated as Liberty Hall Academy. With the invasion of Cornwallis in 1780 the academy was forced to suspend. The site on which it once stood is now occupied by the county courthouse.

Owing to its settlement principally by the Scotch-Irish, Charlotte has ever been stronghold of Presbyterianism. The shorter catechism and study of the Bible were considered of utmost importance in every child’s education.

Among the ministers of Presbyterian faith who exerted much influence throughout this section during its early formative period was the Rev. Alexander Craighead, called in the year1759 to fill the pulpits of Rocky River and Sugar Creek churches, not far from Charlotte. At this time there was no church in the town and people attended Sugar Creek church. A man of bold and fearless spirit, Rev. Mr. Craighead wielded a strong and lasting influence for good at a time when courageous action was most necessary.

In 1792 the local officers of Charlotte first took the oath of allegiance to the federal government. Shortly after this time a United States Post Office was established in the town.

For many years Charlotte remained only a village. The Surrounding country was adapted to the raising of cotton, corn, wheat, and a diversity of products. The wealthy people of this section were large landowners who resided on their plantations and owned slaves, by whom the land was cultivated. To Charlotte they came to dispose of their produce and to purchase what their farms could not supply. At that time the tavern occupied the place of the hotel of modern times; and travelers were gladly welcomed not only by the tavernkeeper, but by those in the little town who were eager to obtain news from elsewhere.

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In 1812 came tidings of renewed difficulties with the British government, and the people of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County felt it a duty to aid the United States forces. Five companies were, therefor, organized and sent to assist in the expulsion of the foreign troops, contributing valuable service throughout the war.

Charlotte’s first newspaper was established in the year 1824 and edited by Thomas J. Holton. It was at first called the North Carolina Whig, and later on the name was changed to that of the Charlotte Journal.

In the Mexican war one company organized in Charlotte participated. This company, under charge of Capt. Green W. Caldwell, left Charlotte in April, 1847, and served until mustered out at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., July 31, 1848.

On October 21, 1852, the first passenger train entered Charlotte amid the cheers of an enthusiastic people. This event marked a new era in the development of the town and added very materially to its growth.

In the was between the States soldiers from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County were among the first to volunteer for the confederate cause, and were prominent in the formation of the First, or "Bethel" regiment. Charlotte in this great conflict was spared much of the horror and terrible destruction visited upon other sections of the country; but many of its brave men gave up their lives for the Confederate cause, and few were the homes which did not mourn some dear one who had gone forth bravely, never to return. Mecklenburg County furnished to the Confederacy twenty-one companies, and its men throughout the war won for themselves, as officers and as privates, the reputation of valiant soldiers. Among the men who left Charlotte to take part in the war, and who won distinction, were Lieut.-Gen. D. H. Hill, Brig.-Gen. James Lane, Brig.-Gen. Rufus Barringer, Col. C. C. Lee, Col. John A. Young, Col. Edwin A. Osborne, Col. John E. Brown, Col. McKinney, Col. W. A. Owens, Maj. T. McG. Smith, and Maj. Egbert Ross. President Jefferson Davis and the Confederate cabinet. accompanied by a thousand cavalrymen, had just reached Charlotte on the 15^th of April, 1865, when a telegram announcing the assassination of President Lincoln was received. The Confederate officials remained in the town for several days, and on the 20^th of April the last meeting of the confederate cabinet was held at the residence of Mr. William E. Holt, whose property still remains. During the entire war the women of Charlotte banned themselves together and worked zealously and untiringly in providing supplies for the soldiers. Their unselfish and praiseworthy labors added no little to the physical comfort of the soldiers whom they aided, and gave inspiration and encouragement to the cause which they upheld. After the close of the war, among the prominent men who chose Charlotte as their home were Brig.-Gen. R. D. Johnston, Brig.-Gen. Drayton, and Col. Hamilton C. Jones; also, a most distinguished and esteemed citizen for several years was Zebulon Baird Vance, North Carolina’s was governor, who was a prominent lawyer of Charlotte, and later on served his State for a lengthy term in the United State Senate. One of Charlotte’s most honored residents is Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, wife of the great Confederate chieftain; she is esteemed by a wide acquaintance, not only for the name she bears, but for her own true worth and charming personality.

The period of reconstruction was to the people of Charlotte, as to all the South, a time of gloom and depression-a season of unsettled conditions and of readjustment to the changed state of affairs. Charlotte and the country around escaped, however, the worst evils of those unhappy years.

In 1870 the population of the town, including suburbs, numbered about five thousand people. For awhile, stunned by the great blow which had fallen so heavily upon the south, Charlotte remained apparently at a standstill, except for the dull routine in business cir-

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cles. The slaves were free, and it was evident a great change must take place throughout the country which was distinctively agricultural and depending largely upon slaves for cultivation. By degrees Charlotte began to turn its attention to manufacturing interests, and henceforth new life began to throb as the town advanced in numbers and increased in wealth. As the most substantial and most healthful growth is necessarily gradual, so Charlotte has laid a foundation, strong and lasting, upon which it builds today with a more rapid growth that attests continued prosperity.

Midway between New York and New Orleans, Charlotte, with its fine railroad facilities, and favored with many advantages of situation and climate, occupies an important position as a manufacturing and commercial city. Prior to the revolution a rifle factory had been established in Charlotte and was one of three such factories in the United States; but few manufacturing establishments were to be found in Charlotte or its vicinity until the latter half of the nineteenth century. In 1881 the first cotton mill was built in Charlotte by Messrs. Oates and was known as Charlotte Cotton Mill. Today this city is known as the recognized center of the great cotton-mill district of the South. Within a radius of one hundred miles around Charlotte there are about three hundred cotton mills, which have a capital of $100,000,000 and which operate more than $3,000,000 spindles and 85,000 looms. Furthermore Charlotte is independent in regard to the establishment of cotton mills, in that a mill can be designed, built, equipped throughout, and put into operation without outside assistance, while the cotton is grown at its very door. With the building of the cotton mills in and about the city there have sprung up around them, as if by magic, settlements populated by the operatives. These settlements are oftentimes almost complete as small towns, having their own stores, schools, churches, etc. As a bi-product of cotton the cottonseed oil industry has developed largely, not only in the manufacture of oil, but of fertilizers and other products.

In addition to cotton manufacturing, which is the leading industry, many and varied manufacturing establishments have arisen. Prominent among these are the Lidell Company and the Mecklenburg Iron Works (originally the confederate navy yard and bought out by Captain John Wilkes, the present owner); also other, machine shops and foundries, the Mecklenburg Roller Mills, a fertilizer factory, numerous clothing factories that promise to be large and flourishing establishments in the near future. A marked expansion of the banking business in Charlotte gives unmistakable evidence of prosperity. Four National Banks, in addition to several Trust Companies, and Building and Loan Associations, proclaim the growing strength of the city’s banking interests.

Charlotte occupies a central location in the mining district of the Piedmont section, and since the latter part of the eighteenth century gold mining has been carried on, with oftentimes much success. In 1835 the Charlotte Mint, a branch of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, was established and was open for business in December, 1837. Fifty thousand dollars were appropriated by the Government for the purchase of a site and erection of a building. On July 27, 1844, the Mint was burned. After some months had elapsed another appropriation of $35,000 was obtained, a new building erected, and new machinery purchased. On the secession of North Carolina, May 20, 1861, operations by the United States Government came to an end and the building throughout the war was used by Confederate authorities. The total coinage of gold at the mint from 1838 to 1861 amounted to $5,059,188. At the close of the war the Mint was seized by the Federal forces and occupied by their officials until the summer of 1867. During that year it was opened as an assay office and as such is continued at the present time. Its large patronage, both for the coinage of gold and later for the assaying of this metal, proves that Charlotte was wisely chosen for

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the location of a Mint. The total deposits from its organization to the close of the year 1902 have amounted to the close of the year 1902 have amounted to $10,163,666.54. In the Mint may be seen a large and valuable collection of North Carolina stones, many of the specimens being very rare and beautiful. St. Catherine’s and the Rudisill mines, on the edge of the city, are among the largest gold mines of the section in operation. An especial use made of the Charlotte Mint during the war of 1861-65 was that of headquarters for the navy officials in charge of the navy yard. It is a fact, perhaps not widely known, that at one time Charlotte had a navy yard. In 1862 hostilities became warm in eastern Virginia, and it was decided to move the navy yard at Norfolk to a place of safety. As no town on the coast was considered safe, Charlotte was selected as being far enough inland to be protected, and the navy yard was moved. It was used principally for the making of cannon balls, the repairing of guns, etc. The descendants of many employees of the navy yard reside in Charlotte as the present time.

A very important factor in the development and material progress of Charlotte had been the good roads for which Mecklenburg county is far-famed. A pioneer in the movement for good roads was Capt. S. B. Alexander, who, as a member of the North Carolina State Senate of 1879, drew up and secured the enactment of a bill providing for the improvement of roads in Mecklenburg, authorizing the people of that county to levy a special road tax and to employ convict labor. This measure, being little understood by the people, met with disfavor, and at their request was repealed by the legislature of 1881. Captain Alexander, however, continued his efforts to obtain good roads, and in 1883 was returned to the State Senate for the express purpose of securing the re-enactment of the road law. The bill passed the Senate, but was defeated in the House. In 1885 he was again sent to the senate to secure the passage of the road law. As many of the same members of the House had been returned, Captain Alexander, after revising the bill with the assistance of Capt. W. E. Ardrey, requested Captain Ardrey to introduce the bill in the House, and it became a law without opposition. From that time good roads were assured. The work had been necessarily slow; but steadily carried on, has fully recompensed for labor and expenditures, and has fully demonstrated the wisdom of such methods. From Charlotte as a center and throughout the county these splendid macadam highways have been constructed, opening up more thoroughly the surrounding country, adding greatly to the upbuilding of Charlotte, and contributing no little to the pleasure and comfort of the people.

As an educational center Charlotte ranks high. A prominent school for girls was organized and opened in 1857, known as the Charlotte Female Institute, and under the charge of Rev. Robert Burwell and his wife. Another well-known school, built the following year, was the Charlotte Military Academy, and opened in 1859 by Maj. D. H. Hill and an able corps of teachers. In the war that followed a few years afterward, the president and professors of the academy became distinguished officers. The building was used by the Confederate Government in time of war as a medical dispensary. After the war it was reopened by Colonel Thomas, and finally passed into the hands of the city, being used at present as the South Graded School building. Elizabeth College, which is a Lutheran institution, and the Presbyterian College, both occupying handsome and beautifully-located buildings, offer the best educational advantages to young womanhood. Large graded schools for white children, and also one for colored children, are conducted on modern and most improved plans, instructing yearly several thousand children, and affording a liberal education. In addition to the schools mentioned, there are several schools for boys, St. Mary’s Seminary (which is a Roman Catholic institution), special schools for music and art, kindergartens, and various private schools. Just outside of

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Charlotte is Biddle University, a large and prosperous college for colored students. It is under the care of the Northern Presbyterian church and was named for Mrs. Mary D. Biddle, of Philadelphia, who contributed a large amount to its erection. Thus it will be seen that Charlotte is not lacking in educational facilities, and while making rapid progress in other ways was not forgetful of the educational advancement of its people.

Charlotte has long been known as a city of churches-its people a church-going people. Here may be found churches of many denominations, with also a large and growing church of the Roman Catholic faith. In 1815 a large lot was set apart by the town for religious purposes, and a square just in the rear to be used as a public burying ground. The citizens of Charlotte united and erected a church building, which for many years was used by all denominations. In 1832 the Presbyterians obtained possession of this property and erected a larger and more expensive house of worship. Today a beautiful and imposing edifice, known as the First Presbyterian church, occupies this site, and is justly an object of admiration, rendered doubly so by reason of its magnificent grounds, which are carpeted with grass and shaded by ancient oaks. Within this church have ministered many able men. Prominent among those of an earlier period was the Rev. Arnold W. Miller, a man of God whose wide learning and fearless utterances have made his influence greatly felt on the community.

In the old burying-ground known as the Charlotte cemetery, and for long years unused, repose the ashes of Col. Thomas Polk, Gen. George Graham, Gov. Nathaniel Alexander, Hon.William Davidson, and many others prominent in the early history of the town and county.

In addition to the numerous Presbyterian churches, the largest congregations of other denominations are the Methodist, Baptist, Associate Reformed Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Lutheran, all occupying handsome church buildings which, by reason of their architectural beauty, add greatly to the attractiveness of the city.

The Young Men’s Christian Association occupies an important position in the life of Charlotte. Located centrally, in a commodious and well-equipped building, it is actively engaged in a great work for young men. In addition to its fine library, reading room, gymnasium, and various other departments, is a night school for young men which is meeting a great need in the life of the young man who seeks an education or desires instruction in a particular branch of study. In like manner, though a more youthful institution, the Young Women’s Christian Association affords for young women a home with manifold advantages.

Many and varied charitable organizations and institutions care for the needy, aged, and homeless. The Thompson Orphanage, founded by the Episcopal church, and the Alexander Home, a Presbyterian institution for homeless children, are doing a noble work of a benevolent but practical character.

Several hospitals for both white and colored people are well equipped and alleviate in no small degree the manifold sufferings of humanity.

A handsome Carnegie Library finds abundant patronage from a book-loving community, while literary, musical, and historical organizations abound. Many enterprising newspapers and other publications of the city enjoy a large circulation.

Too numerous for mention are the fraternal and benevolent associations which represent in Charlotte almost every order known in the United States. Among various clubs organized for business and social purposes the Manufacturer’s Club is foremost. A wealthy organization, composed largely of leading men of Charlotte, it is ever on the alert to promote the city’s welfare. Occupying elegant and tastefully furnished apartments, this club is often thrown open for the social pleasure of the club members and their friends, and on state occasions it most graciously does the hon-

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ors of the city. Among other such organizations the North State Club and the Colonial Club are prominent.

Strikingly handsome public buildings add much to Charlotte’s attractiveness. An imposing building is the United States Mint, bearing on its front a golden American eagle, with outspread wings-the symbol of American liberty. The United States Post Office, which contains also the Federal courtrooms and United States weather Bureau, was built of red pressed brick, with granite trimmings, at a cost of $85,000. The City Hall, constructed of North Carolina brown stone, is a handsome building of large proportions. The County Courthouse, of terra cotta and brick, is of picturesque architecture. An attractive theatre of Beautiful design and with large seating capacity affords much diversion throughout the theatrical season.

The spirit of militarism has always been prominent in Charlotte, and three organizations of such a nature existing in the city are the Hornets’ Nest Rifleman, a battery of artillery, and a drum corps. During the Spanish-American war two companies of white soldiers and one of colored soldiers enlisted from Charlotte.

A history-loving and history-reverencing people, Charlotte and the community around unite in commemorating the anniversaries of great occasions in the past. On May 20, 1875, the centennial celebration of the immortal Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was held, many noted speakers having a place on the program. The attendance on this day was record-breaking and kindled anew patriotic interest. On May 20, 1898, the handsome monument which stands in front of the County Courthouse, and erected in memory of the Signers of the Declaration, was unveiled by eight of their descendants in the presence of a great throng of people. Ex-Vice-President Adlai Stevenson was orator of the occasion. The parade on this day was one of the largest and most interesting of Charlotte’s many celebrations. These anniversary occasions bring together great crowds and are expressive of a people’s pride in their countries historic past.

In May, 1902, there was unveiled, with appropriate exercises, a monument which was erected on the grounds of the United States Post Office, in memory of Lieut. William E. Shipp. Lieutenant Shipp was an officer in Charlotte. He fell in battle in the war with Spain. Conspicuous among many beautiful and costly monuments in Elmwood cemetery is one erected in memory of the Confederate dead. Standing in the midst of a large plot, which is filled with graves of men who died for the Confederate cause, this memorial of stone is an enduring testimonial of a people’s love, of their reverence for valor and self-sacrifice. Various historic spots in and about the city have been marked by tablets and monuments. Iron tablets mark the place where the house stood in which Cornwallis made his headquarters while in Charlotte, the site of the inn at which General Washington was entertained, the place in the center of Independence Square where stood the little courthouse in which was signed the Declaration of Independence, and the spot where Jefferson Davis stood when the telegram was handed him announcing the assassination of Lincoln. At the McIntyre’s farm, a few miles from Charlotte, a monument has been placed by the Mecklenburg chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution in commemoration of the bold fight which occurred there during the Revolution. Charlotte points with pride to historic spots not far away where were born two Presidents of the United States-Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk. The former was born in the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County, now Union County. The birthplace of James K. Polk is only a few miles south of Charlotte. The site where the house stood is marked by a monument, place there by the Daughters of the American Revolution in Charlotte.

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An annual period of interest is the time of the County Fair at the spacious grounds of the Mecklenburg Fair Association, which are just out of the city. Large crowds attend and it is a gala season for Charlotte.

From the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets, which is known as Independence Square, electric car lines extend in various directions along wide avenues lined with beautiful shade trees, and over well-built, carefully-kept streets. These electric lines extend far beyond the city’s limits and have been instrumental in the rapid up-building of many beautiful suburban sections. Of these Dilworth, Piedmont Park, and Elizabeth Heights, are noted for their many attractions. The Suburban towns of Dilworth, and Latta Park, just beyond, are named in honor of Mr. Edward Dilworth Latta, president of the Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company, a public-spirited, progressive citizen, who h as done much for the advancement of Charlotte.

Latta Park, with its lake and shady woodlands, its flowers and many varied attractions, contributes greatly to the pleasures of the people. Vance Park, just in the rear of the postoffice, received its name in honor of Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance. Though of small proportions, it has been beautified by flowers, fountains, etc., and in its central location is easily accessible.

The population of every city is usually a mooted question, arising from the fact that the official census does not include the suburbs without which most places are much reduced to number of their inhabitants. A careful and conservative estimate of the population of Charlotte and its suburbs places figures at 40,000 at the close of the year 1904.

A large power plant, established on the Catawba River, and more than twenty miles from Charlotte, furnishes electricity for lighting the streets. The further development of this great water power means much to the future of Charlotte.

Home life in Charlotte is in many respects typical of Southern life. Many families are united by ties of kinship, whole-hearted hospitality is freely dispensed, the days pass in quick succession, enlivened by varied pleasures. Spacious residences, embowered in flowers, with here and there wide lawns, shaded by magnolias and oaks, are reminders of the old-time Southern home, but in the introduction of many handsome apartment houses proclaims the coming of a new age. The pleasures of driving, riding, automobiling, golf playing and other outdoor sports may be continued throughout the winter season. An attractive Country Club, two miles from Charlotte, affords much enjoyment for pleasure-seekers. A healthful atmosphere has brought to Charlotte many from elsewhere who have here found renewed strength and protection from a more rigorous climate.

Favored with many natural advantages, of which it has not been unmindful, Charlotte steadily advances with an ever enlarging and expanding prosperity. Secure in the worthiness of the past, it pulsates with the spirit that is prophetic of greatness in the future.

Books of reference for sketch of Charlotte:

North Carolina Histories.

History of Mecklenburg County (Tompkins).

"The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence"

(an address by George W. Graham, M. D., read before Scotch-Irish Society of America, at Lexington, Va., June, 1895).

Sketches of Charlotte (Harris).