Charlotte center city in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Origin Of Our Names

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 17, 2021

1. The Origin Of Our Names Marker

Inscription.
The first European settlers began coming to this area in the 1740's when North Carolina was a British colony. In 1762, with 777 "taxables" (adult males over twelve years of age) Mecklenburg County was created from Anson County. In an attempt by local leaders to garner favor with King George III, the name Mecklenburg was chosen in honor of the queen's birthplace, the German principality of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

When the town of Charlotte was established in 1768, it was named for the queen herself; hence, our nickname, "The Queen City."

In 1769, in honor of Royal Governor Tryon's visit to Charlotte, the principle street in town was named Tryon Street. Trade Street, the major cross street, was named for the established Indian trading path that it followed.

Many Charlotte streets were named for prominent early Charlotteans or the places (frequently churches) to which the streets led. For example, Graham Street was named for Major General George Graham; Brevard Street for Dr. Ephriam Brevard; Beatties Ford and Nations Ford Road for the fords across the Catawba River; Freedom Drive and Independence Boulevard to honor our early freedom; Sugar Creek, Providence, and Sharon Roads because they led to those Presbyterian churches.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1762.

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 Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

Markers along West 5th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 17, 2021

2. Markers along West 5th Street

(here, next to this marker); Establishing A New Life (here, next to this marker); The Eighteenth Century Piedmont (here, next to this marker); Captain James Jack's Ride (here, next to this marker); The First Carolinians (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Charlotte (here, next to this marker); Hornets' Nest (here, next to this marker); The Importance Of Religion (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlotte.

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 564 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.