3 Must-See Historic Sites in Charlotte, NC This Fall

Every city has its own unique atmosphere, and the southern town of Charlotte, North Carolina with its deep colonial roots is no different. Because of Charlotte’s big-city, banking capital reputation, it is easy to forget the area’s old-world ambiance and wealth of treasured historic sites close to city center. Charlotte is rich in tradition and southern romance, and boasts a trove of must-see historical sites. Here are just three examples.

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Park

The Reed Gold Mine in Midland, just 26.4 miles east of Charlotte off state-route NC-27 E, is likely the birth of gold mining in the U.S and is the site of the first official commercial gold mine in the area. One Sunday in 1799, farmer John Reed’s son Conrad found a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek on the Reed farm, valued at more than $1 million today. Just one year later, Mr. Reed officially started his highly successful mining operation, right on his own land.

Sections of the original underground mining tunnels and a fully restored ore-crushing stamp mill are open for guided tours, while a visitor center showcases exhibits of gold and historic mining equipment. Enjoy a family picnic on the grounds or take a hike on the trails that wind through this historic mining center.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

The Transportation Museum in North Carolina sits on a 60-acre, family friendly site in Spencer; featuring a treasury of antique automobiles, aircraft, and railway vehicles. Four large exhibition buildings house the famous Spencer shops, the Master Mechanic’s office, and the Roadhouse. The Transportation Museum is an excellent educational experience that is fun for both the young and the young at heart, where you can experience the machines that built North Carolina.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a scenic train ride tour, or bring the kids out to see Thomas the Tank Engine, the famous fictional steam locomotive from The Railway Series books and it’s animated television series.

North Carolina’s Transportation Museum sits just 46.4 miles north of Charlotte city center off Interstate-85.

Hezekiah Alexander Homesite

The Alexander home gives a glimpse of life in colonial Charlotte and is the oldest surviving structure in the area. Take a guided tour from volunteers dressed in period-appropriate clothing through the original Rock House. Built in 1774, and reconstructed on the foundations of the original building, the Log Kitchen is separate from the house to avoid the dangers of fire. The Springhouse, a rare two-story building, was primarily used for food preservation. A natural spring still flows over the bedrock with year-round temperatures between 54 and 56 degrees Fahrenheit, enabled settlers to keep perishable foods cool. The home site and museum are just 5 miles from Uptown Charlotte.

Travel back in time with these hidden historical gems in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotteans are very proud of their colonial past, and it shows through their beautiful museums and historical preservation. Next time you are in Charlotte, don’t forget to put these three must-see historical sites on your agenda.

 

Image by Jim Clark, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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