In 1755, it is believed that Thomas Spratt and his family were the first to drive a wagon through the rough backcountry of North Carolina. They crossed an Indian trading path between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers, where Thomas Polk (who was with the Spratt family) later built his home. Today this is the center of Charlotte and is known as “the square”, on the streets of Trade and Tryon. Meanwhile in the North during 1755, the colonies in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia became overpopulated. This caused a lot of people to move to the south and eventually settle in North Carolina as well. A lot of these settlers followed Thomas Spratt’s route, the “great wagon road”, searching for religious and economic freedom. (Public Library of Charlotte)
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
In 1771 the first college was built and named Queens College. It was originally designed to educate young men so that they would become ministers. However, King George III did not grant the charter so the school would no longer be operating. In efforts to get the charter from the King, the people of Charlotte changed the name to “Queens Museum”. The colonists highly believed in receiving an education, and felt betrayed by the King when they were denied the charter. (Kratt, 1992) When they had no results the colonists became very displeased with the King. The people of Charlotte soon demanded Independence from all Crown commissions and laws. (Kratt, 1992)
On May 1775, the colonists signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence announcing their freedom from Britain. A few days later, the Mecklenburg Resolves was drafted. These were the new laws set for the people of Mecklenburg. (Public Library of Charlotte)
DIGGING FOR GOLD
The discovery of Gold in Charlotte drew a lot of Presbyterian farmers in, who knew they would make more money there than on their farm. In 1835, the first Mint branch was finally approved for Charlotte. This new discovery played a big role in the growth of Charlotte. (Kratt, 1992) In 1835, the first U.S Mint branch was finally approved for Charlotte. (Kratt, 1992) The Mint Branch in Charlotte produced gold coins until the civil war. It was later transformed into an Art Museum. Although most people think of San Francisco when they hear the words “gold rush”, it was in fact this discovery of gold in Charlotte that sparked the first gold rush in the nation. Today you can still visit the Reed Gold mine where you can take a historic tour, pan for your own gold, and explore the exhibits. ("Historic and hip," 2013)
INNOVATING IDEAS
In 1852, the first passenger train in Charlotte arrived. (Public Library of Charlotte) Charlotteans were very pleased with the arrival of the new Railroad because they knew it would bring people and goods. (Kratt, 1992) Another great step forward was the start of Women’s education. In 1856 women’s education started to come around in Charlotte, and in 1896 the Presbyterian College for Women opened. (Public Library of Charlotte)
Queens University of Charlotte (Lillard, 2006)
INDEPENDENCE BUILDING
As Charlotte’s industry grew and transitioned, so did its skyline. In 1905 a group of business men thought that Charlotte needed a skyscraper. They convinced the Tompkin’s office to talk with the owners of Osborne’s Corner, which is the northwest corner of the square. In 1908 the Independence Building became the first steel-frame skyscraper in North Carolina. Unfortunately, the bulding imploded in 1981. (Lunsford, 2008)
As Charlotte’s industry grew and transitioned, so did its skyline. In 1905 a group of business men thought that Charlotte needed a skyscraper. They convinced the Tompkin’s office to talk with the owners of Osborne’s Corner, which is the northwest corner of the square. In 1908 the Independence Building became the first steel-frame skyscraper in North Carolina. Unfortunately, the bulding imploded in 1981. (Lunsford, 2008)
(Reference listed in References page)