The Sculptures at Independence Square
Bronze Boundary Figures by Raymond Kaskey
Given to the people of Charlotte by the Queens Table, November 1995
the historic figures of Commerce, Industry and Transportation represent enterprises have contributed to Charlotte's growth as a major commercial center. While honoring Charlotte's past, the three figures all look toward the fourth figure, the Future.
Commerce
On the Northwest corner, a prospector panning for gold represents the gold mining boom which followed the discovery of gold near Charlotte in 1799 and the opening of a U.S. Mint here in 1837. The prospector empties his pan over a secondary figure representing banking and finance.
Industry
On the Southwest corner, a woman millworker recalls Charlotte's early textile factories. Below, the face of a child represents the children who labored alongside their parents in the mills during the days before enactment of child labor laws. The child's face is a self-portrait of the sculptor, Raymond Kaskey, as a child.
Transportation
On the Southeast corner, an African American laborer honors the builders of the first railroads in Charlotte in the 1850s, leading to the city's status as a transportation hub. The number 1041 commemorates a steam
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The Future
On the Northeast corner, a mother and child symbolize the future of Charlotte. Beneath the mother figure are leaves and flowers of the dogwood, the state flower of North Carolina. A hornet's nest calls to mind the historic nickname for Mecklenburg County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 35° 13.631′ N, 80° 50.578′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte center city. Marker is at the intersection of North Tryon Street and East Trade Street, on the right when traveling north on North Tryon Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlotte NC 28202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nearby History (a few steps from this marker); Independence Square (a few steps from this marker); Nathanael Greene (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Col. Thomas Polk (within shouting distance of this marker); Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); Mecklenburg Resolves (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
