Historic DILWORTH, One of Charlotte's Premier Communities
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 simply by a mayor, a recorder, and a Board of Aldermen, which included seven members: one from each of the four wards of the city and three elected at large.
The first suburbs of Charlotte formed along the streetcar lines that extended out from 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 southern end of the street car line. Latta Park (pictured below) sat just outside the city limits and was known as Dilworth, our first REAL suburb! Historic Dilworth, with its colorful park, boulevards, expansive mansions and inviting bungalow was Charlotte’s earliest “suburban” development. Built in 1891 by entrepreneur and streetcar owner, Edward Dilworth Latta, his home (right) on East Boulevard, 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 of 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 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 historical neighborhood retains its residential charm while embracing lively, adaptive reuse forcommerce, galleries, restaurants and entertainment.
Today, Dilworth envelopes you 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 love the 'neighborhood' feel of Dilworth. Architecture and streetscapes tell the story of Historic Dilworth—and moreover, its recent revival with renovation 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!
View Properties for Sale in Historic Dilworth
About the author:
Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate Broker, Certified Neighborhood and Relocation Specialist who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte NC or any place in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice. Debe has created a team of professionals throughout the country to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to your new area. These professionals are experts in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple home search. The destination service is of no cost to you!
Please visit www.TheMaxwellHouseGroup.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.
Debe Maxwell- SAVVY + COMPANY REAL ESTATE - 704.491.3310 - Debe@DebeMaxwell.com
Copyright © 2008 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...**Historic DILWORTH, One of Charlotte's Premier Communities**
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
Debe,
I would say thatCharlotte has come a long way! And it still maintains its' southern charm.
Nicely done, Debe... I love reading your history posts!
Debe - nicely done and a "history lesson" in itself. I do have a question. where did you get this historic picture of the Latta House?
Hi Don! Can you believe the amazing growth?! The best part is, the communities still have the 'small town' feel just minutes from the 'big city'!
Hi Jesse! Thanks so much! You know that's one of my passions too!
Hi Petra! Thank you so much! I have had that photo for years; it's one of my favorite old Charlotte photos. I have a friend who is an avid history collector and has given me some amazing photos of not only Charlotte but, NC too.
Debe - You are most definitely the local expert on Historic Dilworth - One Of Charlotte's Premier Communities. You've done a fabulous presentation about this wonderful community.
Thanks Donna! Like you, I LOVE the history! This is truly a fabulous community that is just so quaint but, alive! This is one of my favorites in the entire area.