Historic Fourth Ward of Charlotte

Charlotte’s Fourth Ward blends elegance, history, and urban charm into a walkable neighborhood that’s steeped in stories and shaded by mature trees. Nestled in the heart of Uptown, this revitalized district captures the soul of a bygone era while sitting comfortably among modern city life. From meticulously restored Victorian homes to former textile mills reborn as dessert lounges, Fourth Ward unfolds like a living museum with every block offering a glimpse into the city’s past and its contemporary pulse.

A Walk Through Charlotte’s Past

Fourth Ward is one of the oldest and most storied neighborhoods in Charlotte. The area once marked the northern quadrant of the city when it was divided into four wards in the mid-1800s for voting purposes. While the ward system was abolished in 1945, the name and the character of Fourth Ward remained. The neighborhood developed around the historic Native American trading path at Trade and Tryon Streets, which later became the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

Throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Fourth Ward thrived as an enclave for the city’s elite. Merchants, attorneys, physicians, and political leaders built impressive residences close to the commercial core. This prosperity endured for over a century, but change came swiftly with the rise of electric trolleys in the 1890s and, eventually, the automobile. By the 1920s, residents moved out to the suburbs, and many grand homes were left to decay or were repurposed for commercial use.

The neighborhood declined significantly by the 1960s, its once-proud buildings at risk from federally funded urban renewal programs. Unlike neighboring First and Second Wards, Fourth Ward was spared the bulldozers thanks to the passionate efforts of local preservationists, civic leaders, and forward-thinking developers.

The Revival That Rebuilt a Community

The revitalization of Fourth Ward began in earnest during the 1970s. Hugh McColl, then president of North Carolina National Bank (the predecessor of Bank of America), recognized that a great city required vibrant, livable neighborhoods. With the support of community activist Dennis Rash, a Community Development Corporation within the bank provided funding to restore the area. Historic homes were relocated to the neighborhood from elsewhere in the city, new low-rise condos were built, and homeowners were enticed through special loan programs.

The Junior League of Charlotte also played a vital role, beginning with the restoration of the Berryhill House. Their efforts continued through Berryhill Preservation, Inc., which helped restore multiple homes across the district.

In 1976, the City of Charlotte officially designated Fourth Ward a historic district. That same year, the Friends of Fourth Ward organization was established to maintain the area’s charm, promote preservation, and foster community engagement. From that foundation, the neighborhood grew from just 1,400 residents in 1980 to over 6,000 by 2020.

What to See and Do in Fourth Ward

Today, the best way to discover Fourth Ward is on foot. The self-guided walking tour provided by Friends of Fourth Ward offers an in-depth look at the neighborhood’s architectural styles, historic homes, and notable landmarks. Many of these structures boast ornate detailing, steep gables, and colorful trims that make every turn along the sidewalk a visual treat.

For those with a taste for the mysterious, the “Beyond the Grave” ghost tour by Carolina History and Haunts explores the haunted corners of the neighborhood, recounting eerie tales rooted in local legend.

Cultural Highlights:

• Discovery Place Science: A hands-on museum perfect for all ages.
• McColl Center for Art + Innovation: An artist-in-residence center housed in a restored Gothic Revival church.
• Charlotte Ballet: With its studio in the ward and performances at nearby theaters, the ballet enriches the local arts scene.

Green Spaces:

• Fourth Ward Park: A lush three-acre urban oasis with trails, water fountains, and a children’s play area.
• Ninth Street Park: A quieter corner with a gazebo and vibrant mural.
• Settler’s Cemetery: Once the final resting place for Charlotte’s early residents, now a landscaped space honoring the city’s heritage.

Dining with a Historic Twist

Fourth Ward is as much about flavor as it is about architecture. Several of the neighborhood’s standout eateries are housed in restored buildings, offering a unique dining experience that connects the past and present.

• Alexander Michael’s: Located in the old Crowell-Berryhill Store, this long-time favorite features hearty American fare and a warm, European-style pub atmosphere. The original oak bar and antique shelving were salvaged from Charlotte’s first skyscraper.
  
• McNinch House Restaurant: Set in a lavender Queen Anne-style mansion that once belonged to a city mayor, this fine dining establishment is known for its gourmet tasting menus and refined setting.
  
• Poplar Street Cafe & Wine Bar: Located in the Morrison House, this spot offers Peruvian-inspired tapas alongside a curated wine and cocktail list.
  
• Crave Dessert Bar: Situated in Charlotte’s original textile mill, this dessert lounge serves indulgent sweets and craft cocktails in a cozy, industrial setting.

Seasonal Events and Community Spirit

Fourth Ward thrives on its community connections. The annual Holiday Home Tour and Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward invite the public inside some of the neighborhood’s most beautiful homes and gardens. These seasonal events draw visitors from across the city and beyond, showcasing the area’s architecture and community pride.

Whether strolling through leafy streets, dining in a century-old home, or taking in a ballet class, Fourth Ward offers a deeply rewarding experience for anyone looking to connect with Charlotte’s rich history and vibrant present. In this district, every brick, porch, and iron gate has a story to tell.