Establishing A New Life
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County's character today is deeply rooted in the independent mindedness of our early citizens. Settled largely by Scots-Irish Presbyterians with many Germans and some English and French, Mecklenburg was carved from the wilderness beginning in the 174's. We were part of an area known as the "backcountry" of North Carolina, also known as the Piedmont, with settlers coming primarily from Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Colonists came down the Great Wagon Road to find cheap land and abundant water and wildlife. It is said that the Scots-Irish were "uniquely suited" to the challenge of this wilderness after their history in Scotland and later Ireland. They were courageous, hard working, stubborn, independent people with a strong faith. They quickly established homes, churches, mills, and a town and sent word to others that life in Mecklenburg was hard but good. Charlotte was described in 1809 by traveller William Martin as follows. "The village consists of two streets crossing in a square; in the centre of town stands a tolerably elegant Brick Court House with a cupola." Also present on Trade and Tryon Streets were several log houses, stores, taverns, a jail and Settlers' Cemetery where you stand today. Settlers' is the only 18th century landmark remaining in uptown Charlotte.
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Location. 35° 13.756′ N, 80° 50.597′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte center city. It is on West 5th Street just west of North Church Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W Trade St, Charlotte NC 28202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Eighteenth Century Piedmont (here, next to this marker); The Origin Of Our Names
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 291 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 19, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.
