 In the mid 1800's Charlotte
was divided into four political wards. The NW Quadrant was called Fourth Ward. It was a
prosperous area containing the homes of merchants, ministers, physicians and others.
The First Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church and Saint Peters Episcopal Church
provided social as well as religious influence. In the early 1900's the trolley expanded
Charlotte; and Dilworth and Myers Park became the place to live. Fourth Ward began to show
its age.By WWII
many of the homes were divided into small apartments and others had become boarding
houses. After the "boys" came home there was a need for training them and
several homes were remodeled as trade schools. In the 1950's Fourth Ward was becoming an
undesirable area with abandoned houses, sub-standard housing, scattered businesses and
crime. The slide downhill was rapid. By 1970 many homes had been destroyed by fire,
vandals, neglect; and others were used as liquor houses and brothels. Fourth Ward was
producing little tax revenue and was a blight on the downtown area. But there were a few
"Grand Old Ladies" left. The Junior League, UNCC and a few other far-sighted
people had a dream. It was to interest the city, banks, and most importantly the
people in saving Fourth Ward's remaining homes, adding infill development where
there was vacant land and making Fourth Ward a desirable residential area once again. The
first home was purchased by the Junior League in 1976. There was an interest and by 1978
almost all the homes had been bought by adventurous pioneers. Restoration was done by
people who learned as they did. Now this is an active living community which has increased
the tax revenue to Charlotte tenfold. The Fourth Ward neighborhood now includes parks,
businesses, cultural, religious, and educational activities all within walking distance of
home. These "Grand Old Ladies" have become lovely again. |
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Tour Information:
The FULL TOUR will take
approximately one hour to complete.
The MINI TOUR of properties
designated
"Local Historic Property" or on the
"National Register of Historic Places"
will take twenty to thirty minutes.
These are Numbers
10, 18, 21, 23, 25,
36, 45, 62, 73 and 76.
Parking is available on the
streets for two hours Monday to Friday 8 AM - 5 PM.
Unrestricted on weekends.
With Special Thanks to:
Friends of Fourth Ward
P.O. Box 35365
Charlotte, NC 28235
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