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 !
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
Very charming Debe. I love the architecture of the buildings you proudly displayed here.
'Makes me want to move to this area! Beautiful description and photos. I love the history of the area.
Wonderful and inviting brochure for Dilworth/Charlotte. I love to see Localisms with good photos and descriptions.
This post got a Twitter feed on Google.
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Real Estate Blog - DILWORTH Charlotte NC - A Small Segment of ... - activerain.com
Terrific information for your area Debe. You make it sound like a wonderful place.
Great description Debe and awesome pics! I love the stately home one. Very pretty! :)
Debe:
This is beautifully done in so many ways. It is an excellent example of how to present a local historic piece. People who are considering a possible relocation to Dilworth will appreciate having this information to refer to.
Interesting story. Amazing information about your area - another reason to choose a local expert!
Debe this is an outstanding article on Dillworth! Well worth the feature. The pictures are just awesome.
Debe as always, a great localism post about your beloved Charlotte. Interesting too is the fact that Austin has had a similar growth pattern since the beginning of the twentieth century! Beautiful post and wonderfully done. I hope you are having a good holiday season!
What a Great idea for a blog...congrats on the feature and I will be up at my LKN house for Christmas and you made me want to leave right now...have a great Holidays!
Loreena: Thank you - Most of the homes are bungalow or craftsman style and just have so much character - Dilworth is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Charlotte NC !
Margaret: Thanks so much! You know I'm a history buff too so, when I learn some history, I love to share it!
Lenn: Well, what do you know?! Google found little old me!! LOL Thank you! Localism posts are some of my favorites to write and photograph. I love to read about history and think that many would like to know a little before deciding on a particular area of the city. Thanks again!
Gabe: Thanks and it IS - one of my favorites in all of Charlotte!
Jackie: Thank you and that is only a sampling! One of these days I'll get some better photos - probably in the spring when the trees are in full bloom!
Claudette: Well, thank you! I hope it helps the consumer who is interested in the area understand the underlying history and appreciate this gorgeous community.
Gary: So many want to live in this area because of the history and many serving the area don't know OR care about the history of it! Thanks for stopping by!
Bill: Well, thank you so much! I love the area so, it's easy to share my passion on paper (or online!)!
Russell: Thanks and that is interesting that we share a similar history. This area is one of my absolute favorites and history has alot to do with the character of this community.
Tim: Thanks and thanks! Come on down to Dilworth for the holidays! Do enjoy the lake and happy holidays!
Great post Debe, Dilworth is a beautiful neighborhood, and it was nice to learn a little about the history.
Debe,
Your localism posts are some of my very favorites and an inspiration to many on the rain.....Merry Christmas...
I work in Concord but I love the Dilworth area. The houses are wonderful.
Hi Debe -- I love reading these types of posts. While I have never been to Charlotte, everyone I have ever spoken to who knows it or has lived there raves about it.
Debe I enjoy localism posts - we learn so much about the rest of the country - it's histoty, architecture and future plans - your posts do it exceptionally well
HEllo Debe.
It sure looks like a very nice area to live in. Maybe someday when I'm ready to retire, I'll look into it.
Of course I'll give you a call if I do.
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Hi Debe, Fantastic tour and information about Dilworth. I love your photos, but came by to see if you were having snow this week? I know how much you love snow! Merry Christmas, Debe!
Debe, I love it. What a great concept for this article, and what a great way to give your area some worthy notice to so many who will be attracted by the history and culture.
Debe - It's great! What a terrific localism post, but you already knew that.... Well deserving of the feature.... Very nice and great description of the areas...And oh yes the pictures done very well also I almost forgot to mention...
Great post about Dilworth and Charlotte, NC. Race Track certainly perked up my ears...
Here it is Christmas week and I'm working 16-hour days! Who would have thought?! Thank you ALL for your comments on Dilworth Charlotte NC - it is truly a gorgeous community that I just love selling! As a matter of fact, I prepared an offer on a home that I showed there this evening! My buyers are quite excited to be buying in one of Charlotte's most popular neighborhoods and I am nothing less than thrilled for them!
Have a wonderful week everyone!