At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the fast-growing city of Charlotte had a population of only 18,091.  The city government was supported by only a mayor, a recorder, and a Board of Aldermen, which included seven members:  one from each of the four wards of the inner city and three elected at large.   

The first suburbs of Charlotte were formed along the streetcar lines that extended beyond the city.  These suburbs, expanding to the south and east of the city, included Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park and Plaza Midwood.    Latta Park was known as the “pleasure resort” and was at the 'far' southern end of the street car line.  Latta Park (pictured below) sat just outside the city limits  and was known simply as Dilworth, our first REAL suburb! 

Historic Dilworth, with its beautiful park, tree-lined streets, beautiful places of worship, expansive mansions and inviting bungalows, was Charlotte’s earliest “suburban” development.  Built in 1891 by entrepreneur and streetcar owner, Edward Dilworth Latta, who made his home (right) on East Boulevard.  This stately home was the showplace of turn-of-the-century Charlotte.  Until Latta’s departure from Charlotte in May of 1923, he played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Queen City.  Latta helped expand the city from a modest commercial center of 7,094 inhabitants in 1880, to an industrial and financial metropolis, becoming 'Piedmont, NC' in 1920, boasting a population of 46,338.   (Today, the Queen City's population is a hefty 695,995, with over 2.5 million in the entire Charlotte Metro region)!

Historic Dilworth boasted not only fine residences, but also a race track, ball park, pavilion, lake and an industrial complex which included textile mills and a foundry.   Still today, the Nationally Registered historic neighborhood retains its residential charm while embracing lively, adaptive  commerce, galleries, restaurants and entertainment.  

Today, Dilworth envelopes those visiting or residing there, in tree-lined streets which front beautiful, architecturally designed homes with wrap-around porches as well as quaint little shops and restaurants.  Local merchants offer personal attention as well as an ambiance that is Dilworth’s trademark.  It is now hard to believe that anyone ever considered Dilworth as a 'suburb!'  Come take a tour and see why Dilworth is the choice among many Uptown young professionals and families who just adore the 'neighborhood' feel of Dilworth.  Architecture, including many craftsman style homes and the older bungalows, and streetscapes tell the story of Historic Dilworth—and moreover, its recent revival with renovation of old and new construction have given it yet, another, reason to call Dilworth Charlotte NC home. Give us a call—we love giving tours of Historic Dilworth Charlotte NC !

      

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

 

          

   

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