About Charlotte
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina and County Seat of Mecklenburg County is located in Southwestern North Carolina. Just North of the South Carolina border, the city is home to approximately 731,424 residents as of the last count by the US Census in 2010 making it the 17th largest in the United States.
Settled in 1755, the city has grown to become a major urban area only over the last 35 years. The metro area is now home to about 1,750,000 which is a significant increase since 1980. Charlotte is one of the only major cities to not be located on or around a body of water. The nearest river is the Catawba River located to the West of the city. The downtown and central part of the town does have a couple of creeks that run through them, but are not useful in transportation.
Modern Charlotte does rely heavily on its location as an important transportation and distribution center. Located just East of the Appalachian Mountains, the city serves as an important point between Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA. The Charlotte-Douglas Airport is one of the busiest in the US among travelers and air-freight.
The Charlotte area was the site of the nation’s first Gold Rush. Shortly before the California Gold Rush of 1848, numerous veins of gold were found in the hills that make up the terrain of the area. There was much less gold prospected in the area than California, but it may have contributed to the significance of the gold rushes that ensued. The nickname of the UNC Charlotte 49ers is only partially because of the gold mining history of the area. The campus is located on Highway 49 and was saved from closure in 1949 by a group of local supporters and was admitted into the state system (University of North Carolina). The mascot, however, is “Norm the Niner” and he is a gold miner.
Charlotte has a modern and diverse economy, in fact the city is the 2nd largest banking center in the US only behind New York City. The area is also home to the largest financial institution in terms of assets, Bank of America. Several large corporations call the area home such as Lowe’s Home Improvement, Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive (Dealerships), Family Dollar, Goodrich Corporation and the Speed Channel.
In addition to being a major financial center, Charlotte is the home of NASCAR. The city has many offices and is also host to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum. 75% of NASCAR drivers and staff as well as NHRA drivers and staff call the area home.
Pro Sports Teams
Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). Also Charlotte Knights (International League AAA Baseball).
Nearby Cities & Towns
Davidson, Matthews, Gastonia, Dallas, China Grove, Concord, Kannapolis, Mooresville, Huntersville, Cornelius, Landis, Westport, Mint Hill, Pineville, Weddington, Rock Hill SC, Fort Mill SC, Waxhaw, Stallings, Fairview, Harrisburg, Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, Maiden, Granite Falls, Mt. Pleasant, Midland, Stanley, Belmont, Mt. Holly, Sherrils Ford, Lake Norman, Iredell County, York County SC, Lancaster County SC, Gaston County, Cabarrus County, Union County
