In 1966, Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act, which created the National Register of Historic Places. The register is ever-growing, composed of places that have architectural, artistic, historical, or cultural significance. To earn a place on the list means earning the right to protection and preservation. In cities like Charlotte, where growth is rapid and demolition can be undiscerning, the National Register provides both the support and the reminder to preserve that which has character and substance. Even, or perhaps especially, if it’s a little creaky. Thanks to this register and to the foresight of Charlotte’s preservationists, there are a number of historic landmarks around the city. These Charlotte NC historic homes together tell the story of a place and a multitude of people and moments. Here are but a few that are worthy of your attention.
Wadsworth Estate
The Wadsworth Estate was the first house built in the Wesley Heights neighborhood of Charlotte. Designed by North Carolina architect Louis H. Asbury and built by local developer E.C. Griffith, the house heralded a new era for the West Side. Until 1909, much of the West Side was farmland owned by the Wadsworth family. When the West Trade Street Trolley began to visit the area, Wadsworth subdivided his land. This marked the advent of the Wesley Heights neighborhood. Today, the home on the Wadsworth Estate remains a private residence. However, the estate’s grounds and facilities support numerous philanthropic initiatives.
Duke Mansion
One of many historical gems in the Myers Park area is Duke Mansion. The National Register of Historic Places lists Duke Mansion. This is in part due to its exemplification of Colonial Revival architecture and in part due to its rich history. Built in 1915, the home quickly came under the ownership of James Buchanan Duke. Duke not only tripled the size of the structure, but also spent most of the remaining days of his life scheming the creation of the Duke Endowment. This would go on to become one of the area’s greatest agents of change and community betterment.
Today, the mansion is open to the public for tours on select weekdays. It is also available to rent for private meetings and events.
The Rock House
The Rock House at the Alexander homesite is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, dating all the way back to 1774. Stone walls, measuring two feet thick in some areas and quarried from the property, comprise the 5,000 square foot house. The house’s construction could only have been guided by an expert stonemason, though this person’s name has been lost to time. Enslaved people provided the labor required to build the house, as well as much of the labor required to keep the homesite running. This, in turn, enabled Rock House’s owner, Hezekiah Alexander, to contribute to North Carolina’s first constitution and bill of rights.
Liddell-McNinch House
Nestled in Uptown’s fourth ward, the McNinch House has been a Charlotte landmark since 1892. Although businessman Vinton Liddell first purchased the property, former Charlotte mayor Samuel McNinch and his descendants called it home for almost a century. The family hosted prominent guests including President Taft in 1909. In 1989, new owners transformed the home into the restaurant it continues to operate as today. With its elegant tower, front and side facing gables, steep roof, and large porch, McNinch House is emblematic of Queen Anne architecture and is one of the coolest Charlotte NC historic homes.
Overcash House
Another great example of Queen Anne architecture in Charlotte is the Overcash House. The Overcash family bought the house in 1879. By 1898, had expanded the house from a two-room building to the sprawling home it is today. The property remained with the Overcash family until 1966 and then was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The dwelling continues to be a private residence, but its owners open the doors to the public for guided tours on select dates.
