Charlotte is one of the 25 largest cities in the United States and also the largest city in North Carolina. According to U.S. census estimates, the Charlotte metropolitan statistical area has an estimated population of almost 1.5 million people.
Charlotte is located in south/central North Carolina. It is home to over 10 Fortune 1000 companies, including household names such as Bank of America, Lowe's, and Wachovia Corp.
Charlotte was ranked as the 29th "Most Fun U.S. City" in a survey conducted in 2003 by Cranium Inc. Factors taken into account in the ranking include the number of sports teams, restaurants, dance performances, toy stores, the amount of a city's budget that is spent on recreation, and other factors. Charlotte is also a past winner of the coveted "All-America City Award" awarded by the National Civic League.
Charlotte has a humid sub-tropical climate that is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The coldest month of the year is January with an average daily temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month of the year with an average daily temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Charlotte History
Charlotte was founded at the intersection of two Native American trading paths. It was incorporated as the village of Charlotte Town in 1768. The city is named after the wife of British King George III.
Some key dates in Charlotte's history include:
In 1780, the Revolutionary War Battle of Charlotte occurred and Charlotte was occupied by the British. They left Charlotte less than a month later. In 1795, James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States, was born near Charlotte. In 1799, gold was discovered. The resulting Reed Gold Mine was the first gold mine in the United States. It operated until 1912. In 1837, the U.S. Congress established a mint at Charlotte to produce coins from the gold found in the area. On May 20, 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union and was admitted to the Confederacy seven days later. The U.S. Mint in Charlotte was appropriated for use by the Confederacy.
Charlotte Arts and Culture
Charlotte is a center for arts and culture. Charlotte offers museums, the performing arts, and more. Some of Charlottes's more notable museums include:
The Charlotte Museum of History The Charlotte Nature Museum Discovery Place The Levine Museum of the New South The Mint Museum of Art The Mint Museum of Craft and Design
For patrons of the performing arts, Charlotte is home to many wonderful performing arts attractions. Some of the more notable include:
The Charlotte Civic Orchestra The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra The Charlotte Repertory Theatre The Charlotte Symphony The Children's Theatre of Charlotte The Moving Poets Theater of Dance NC Dance Theater The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Opera Carolina Theatre Charlotte
Charlotte Sports and Leisure
Charlotte has plenty to offer even the most avid sports fan. Charlotte is home to the following major sports teams:
Baseball - The Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Charlotte Knights. The Knights are a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Basketball - The National Basketball Association (NBA) Charlotte Bobcats, and the WNBA Charlotte Sting. Football - The National Football League (NFL) Carolina Panthers. Hockey - The ECHL Charlotte Checkers. Soccer - The United Soccer League (USL) Second Division Charlotte Eagles, and the USL W-League Charlotte Lady Eagles.
Charlotte is also home to the NCAA College Football Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Charlotte can also lay claim to being the NASCAR capital of the United States. The majority of NASCAR teams and race shops are located close to Charlotte, and almost three quarters of American motor sports employees are located within a couple of hours of Charlotte. The Lowes Motor Speedway is located in nearby Concord, North Carolina. Charlotte has also been selected as the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame (scheduled to open in 2009).
Charlotte "Must See" Attractions
Charlotte has attractions too numerous to do justice in a simple list. Some of Charlottes's more notable and unique attractions include:
The Fourth Ward neighborhood The James K. Polk Memorial The Lowes Motor Speedway The Mint Museum of Art The Mint Museum of Craft and Design The Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Charlotte at Night
For the most up to date information about events, happenings, night clubs, performances, and restaurants check out the "Entertainment Section" of The Charlotte Observer . Charlotte Magazine is another good source of information about events.
The population of Charlotte is approximately 610,949 (2005).
The approximate number of families is 230,434 (2000).
The average family size in Charlotte is Charlotte Property Management Companies.
The amount of land area in Charlotte is 451.334 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Charlotte is 242.3 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.877 sq kilometers.
The distance from Charlotte to Washington DC is 335 miles. The distance to the North Carolina state capital is 130 miles. (as the crow flies)
Charlotte is positioned 35.19 degrees north of the equator and 80.83 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Charlotte elevation is 850 feet above sea level.
Charlotte median income is $47,131 (2005).
The Charlotte median home price is $159,900 (2005).
