Historic Places

Resources

Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Historic Sites

Our region offers a wealth of historic buildings, sites and opportunities to learn about our heritage - if you know where to look. Here is a partial list of notable sites to see.

We also maintain a list of historically-focused organizations.

Andrew Jackson State Park This 360-acre park was established to honor the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. The museum tells the story of Jackson's boyhood experiences during the Revolutionary War in the Carolina Back Country. The focal point of the grounds is an equestrian statue of young Jackson by famed sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington. A replica of a late 18th-century schoolhouse also is on the grounds.	196 Andrew Jackson Park Road Lancaster SC 29720 Phone: 803-285-3344 Visit Their Website
Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission & Museum The aviation history of the Carolinas comes alive at the Aviation Museum, housed in the original hangar built for Charlotte's first municipal airport. Numerous aircraft are on exhibit. There are also rotating exhibits of aviation memorabilia and artifacts.	4108 Airport Drive Charlotte NC 28208 Phone: 704-359-8442 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Charlotte Museum of History Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Explore three centuries of regional heritage at the Charlotte Museum of History. Visit the Revolutionary War era home of Hezekiah Alexander (circa 1774). Tour the restored and refurnished landmark home with a costumed docent as your guide. Hear the sound of the American Freedom Bell, which is also located on the museum grounds.	3500 Shamrock Drive Charlotte NC 28215 Phone: 704-568-1774 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Charlotte Trolley and Museum Take a ride on Number 85 as the last trolley to operate in Charlotte rolls again! Also visit the Charlotte Trolley Museum which explains the role of the electric streetcars in the development of Charlotte beyond the inner city at the turn of the 20th century.	1507 Camden Road Charlotte NC 28203 Phone: 704-375-0850 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Davidson Historical Society The Davidson historical Society was formed to promote an understanding and appreciate of the history of Davidson, NC and the surrounding area. Walking tours of the town and Davidson College are available upon request.	P.O. Box 144 Davidson NC 28036 Phone: 704-892-3739
Gaston County Museum of Art & History The main building of the Museum -- the historic Hoffman Hotel (1852) -- houses permanent galleries and temporary exhibits featuring regional history and local and national art. A modern Carriage house contains North Carolina's largest public collection of horse drawn vehicles.	131 West Main Street Dallas NC 28034 Phone: 704-922-7681 24-Hour INFO-LINE 704-852-6025 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Heritage Room of Union County Staffed by historians, the Heritage Room houses reference materials for use on site. Holdings include books, census records, birth and marriage indexes, maps, scrapbooks, surname files, old newspapers, church and school files, cemetery indexes, exchange bulletins and old photographs. Located on the first floor of the Old Union County Courthouse in downtown Monroe on the square.	300 North Main Street Monroe NC 28111 Phone: 704-289-6737 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Historic Brattonsville Historic Brattonsville is a 775-acre living history village and Revolutionary War battlefield site. Features 29 18th and 19th century historic structures and programs chronicling Carolina Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s. Includes the Walt Schrader Trails, eight miles of natural paths, and an award winning heritage farm program, which includes preservation of rare breeds of farm animals.	1444 Brattonsville Road McConnells SC 29726 Phone: 803-684-2327 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Historic Latta Plantation Latta Plantation (c. 1800), a living history farm and museum, portrays early 19th century plantation life. The site was home to James Latta, a Scots-Irish merchant and planter. Situated n 53 acres of the original plantation, the site includes the original dwelling house and smokehouse, 11 outbuildings as well as historic livestock breeds, gardens and costumed interpreters.	5225 Sample Road Huntersville NC 28078 Phone: 704-875-2312 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Historic Rosedale Plantation Rosedale, built in 1815, is one of the finest examples of Federal period architecture in North Carolina. Visitors will learn about the 19th century lifestyles of Piedmont area residents as well as view three rooms of original French wallpaper. The eight acres include restored formal gardens and numerous treasure trees. Our regular tour schedule is Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tours start on the hour at 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM. Adult Admission: $5.00; Students and Seniors: $4.00; and Members: Free. Children under 8 years old are free with paid adult admission.Groups of 10 or more $4.00 per person. Closed major holidays.	3427 North Tryon Street Charlotte NC 28206 Phone: 704-335-0325 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Historical Center of York County at the McCelvey Center	212 E. Jefferson St. York SC 29745 Phone: 803-684-3948 Visit Their Website
Hugh Torance House and Store The oldest standing store building in North Carolina, the Hugh Torance House and Store is one of Mecklenburg's few remaining 18th century structures. The log portion of the house was build c. 1779 with a storehouse addition c. 1787 and a Federal addition c. 1805. Hugh Torance house and Sore, Inc. is a non-profit organization responsible for restoring and preserving this historical site. Tour of the site focuses on the life of Hugh Torance and his son James. Hugh was a merchant and planter and James operate a store from this site 1805-1825. His store records survive. Interior woodwork is similar to that found in Latta Plantation. Our first person re-enactors will be there to portray Hugh and Isabella Torance with their son, James, and one of Isabella's daughters.	Gilead Road Huntersville NC 28070 Phone: 704-875-3271 Map/Directions
Iredell Museum of Arts & Heritage Located in an 1899 water pump station, the Museum offers a varied permanent collection of fine art an artifacts, including an Egyptian mummy. Walking trails meander through 30 wooded acres with one leading to a pioneer settlement where programs are offered by costumed interpreters.	1335 Museum Road Statesville NC 28677 Phone: 704-873-4734 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
James C. Dowd House Built in 1879 by Confederate Captain James C. Dowd, this two-story Victorian house is best known locally for its role during World War I as headquarters for the US Army at Camp Greene, a military training base. Today the house is furnished and has exhibits documenting its role during World War I.	2216 Monument Street Charlotte NC 28208 Phone: 704-398-2260 Map/Directions
James K. Polk Memorial James K. Polk Memorial is located on the site of the birthplace of the 11th US President. The Memorial's exhibitions commemorate significant events in the Polk administration. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings -- a log house, separate kitchen and pack house -- are authentically furnished.	308 South Polk Street Pineville NC 28134 Phone: 704-889-7145 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Levine Museum of the New South The museum explores the diverse history of the South since the Civil War with a focus on Charlotte and the surrounding Carolina Piedmont region. It has permanent and changing exhibitions, educational programs and activities for all ages and interests. Large groups can be accommodated by reservation.	324 North College Street Charlotte NC 28202 Phone: 704-333-1887 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Lower Providence Community House The Providence Women's Club, as it was first named, began informally when the women of this once rural area entered the Mecklenburg County Fair in 1934. The funds for building the Community House were raised from these fair earnings. The Community House celebrated its 70th birthday in 2009 and continues to serve the Lower Providence community.	9735 Community House Road Charlotte NC 28277 Phone: 704-905-8334 Visit Their Website
McGill Rose Garden The McGill Rose Garden is a living work of art, nestled in an intimate urban setting that links First Ward’s Garden District and NoDa, North Davidson’s Historic Arts District.	940 North Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28206 Phone: 704-333-6497 Visit Their Website
Mint Hill Country Doctors Museum Housed in a restored turn-of-the-century country doctor's office, this special museum focuses on the practice of medicine in rural Mecklenburg County from 1880 to 1930. Exhibits include hand-blown medicine bottles, instruments, and medical equipment and furnishings, plus an herb garden.	4311 Hillside Drive Mint Hill NC 28227 Phone: 704-573-0726 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Museum of the Waxhaws (Andrew Jackson Memorial) As a regional history museum, the Museum covers the area named after the Waxhaw Indians who once populated the region. It serves also as a memorial to the 7th US President, Andrew Jackson, who was born nearby, and highlights the region's Scots-Irish settlers.	8215 Waxhaw Highway Waxhaw NC 28173 Phone: 704-843-1832 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Museum of York County A visit to the Museum of York County is a cultural excursion into learning. On display is the Southeast's largest collection of more than 200 full-mounted African animals in the Stans African Halls, large animals in the North American Hall and plants and animals special to the Carolina Piedmont in the Hometown Habitats exhibit. While visiting the Museum of York County, take a stroll on the 0.7 mile nature trail and explore the native trees, shrubs and wildflowers or stop by the Museum Store which offers prints, pottery, jewelry and a variety of eclectic crafts, gifts and souvenirs.	4621 Mount Gallant Road Rock Hill SC 29732 Phone: 803-329-2121 Visit Their Website
North Carolina Transportation Museum Located on the site of what was once Southern Railway's largest steam locomotive servicing facility, the Museum features antique automobiles, an airplane, and railroad rolling stock. Exhibits trace the development of transportation in NC. There is a season train ride and audiovisual program.	411 South Salisbury Avenue Spencer NC 28159 Phone: 704-636-2889 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Preserve Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery The Joint Committee to Preserve Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery (PEP) is committed to ensuring that Elmwood/Pinewood remains a serene, beautiful memorial and an urban oasis for all Charlotteans to enjoy. We welcome the participation of other groups or individuals in this effort. Respect for the wishes of relatives of those buried must be paramount. We must be ever mindful of the concerns regarding the veneration of Confederate soldiers and the recognition of those who suffered under slavery and segregation. Our purpose is to preserve this architectural treasure, to return it to its original park-like atmosphere and, to use it as an opportunity to teach future generations about our past.	P.O. Box 33113 Charlotte NC 28233 Phone: 704-375-6145 Visit Their Website
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site In 1799 on the farm of German immigrant John Reed, a 17-pound gold nugget was discovered. Reed Gold Mine was noted for its large, pure nuggets, the most substantial of which weighed 28 pounds. Today, visitors can tour a portion of the underground mine, an ore crushing mill, the Talking Rocks Trail, pan for gold and view museum exhibits.	9621 Reed Mine Road Midland, NC 28107 Phone: 704-721-4653 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County This reference collection focuses on the Carolinas and the Southeast United States, past and present. Formats include books, periodicals, newspapers, microfilm, microfiche and computers. Visitors can research local history, genealogy, demographics, etc. Photocopy machines are available. Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte, the library runs the length of 6th Street from College to Tryon with the front entrance on 6th Street.	301 North Tryon Street Charlotte NC 28202 Phone: 704-336-5153 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Rowan Museum The 1854 Courthouse which survived Stoneman's Raid in 1865, is one of the finest examples of pre-Civil War architecture in the state. Throughout its grand old rooms, including the beautiful second floor courtroom and public gathering place, the life and history of Rowan County is presented through displays and interpretive exhibits. The Museum also operates two historic house museums: The Utzman-Chambers House, 1815 and Old Stone House, 1766.	202 North Main Street Salisbury NC 28144 Phone: 704-633-5946 Map/Directions
Rural Hill Farm Home of Major John Davidson, American patriot and signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, this 265 acre historic farm hosts a variety of special events, including the Loch Norman Highland Games. The site is open for self guided tours, educational programs, and walking trails. Museum Gift Shop is on site.	4431 Neck Road Huntersville NC 28070 Phone: 704-875-3113 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium See the brilliant Henry Hall of the American Indian. Measure-up to a skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Enjoy Planetarium programs and changing exhibits which explore the region from prehistoric times through the Colonial period. Visit the museum's Backcountry Farm, Gristmill and reconstructed Southeastern American Indian Village on the 3/4-mile long Nature Trail that winds along Slick Run Creek.	1500 East Garrison Boulevard Gastonia NC 28054 Phone: 704-866-6900 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Second Ward High School National Alumni Foundation, Inc. Alumni House/Museum Second Ward High School (1923-1969) was the first public high school for Blacks in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. While the original building does not survive, alumni -- through the Foundation -- purchased a house and designated it "The Alumni House/Museum" to store and display artifacts and memorabilia.	1905 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte NC 28216 Phone: 704-398-8333 Map/Directions
Special Collections at UNC Charlotte This research collection contains approximately 1 million manuscripts, 50,000 photographs and 7,000 architectural drawings that document the social, political and architectural history of Mecklenburg and surrounding counties from the 18th century to the present. Located on the 10th floor, Dalton Library Tower on UNC Charlotte campus.	Special Collections, Atkins Library UNCC 9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte NC 28223 Phone: 704-547-2449 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Stanly County Museum Discover the Piedmont's rural heritage in Albemarle, gate to Morrow Mountain State Park. Museum features historical exhibits plus tours of two antebellum homes. Gift shop and research room.	245 East Main Street Albemarle NC 28001 Phone: 704-986-3777 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Wadsworth House Wadsworth House is a conference and special events facility that provides meeting space as well as plan and coordinate other events. The house was designed by prominent North Carolina architect, Louis H. Asbury, in 1910 and built in 19ll by developer, E.C. Griffith. The Wadsworth House is a two and one-half story frame house sheathed in wood shingles with architectural features of the Arts and Craft Era. It was originally built for George Pierce Wadsworth, a local businessman who served as president of Wadsworth Sons Company, a family business that operated a diverse group of businesses including a hardware store and a baking company.	400 South Summit Avenue Charlotte NC 28208 Phone: 704-332-3050 Visit Their Website Map/Directions
Woodlawn School Woodlawn House was built in 1836 by George W. Stinson, the first trustee of Davidson College. It was used as a residence until 2002, when it was renovated for use as an administration building for a private school. It is a fine example of a Greek Revival/Federal style home, with a fireplace in each of its eight rooms, large entry hall, columns on the front porch, and spiraling staircase. Woodlawn was a popular destination for many early Davidson College students, since Mr. Stinson had 4 daughters and allowed square dancing (which was frowned on by the college's Presbyterian founders).	131 Woodlawn School Loop Mooresville NC 28115 Phone: 704-895-8653 Visit Their Website Map/Directions