Men and women from all over the country flooded to Charlotte, N.C. after the United States officially declared its involvement in the First World War. Why? Well, their country needed them to serve, and training for that service was taking place at Camp Greene—a newly established military training facility on the western side of the Queen City located between Wilkinson Boulevard and Tuckaseegee Road.
Read the story of Private Joseph B. Mathews. While stationed at Camp Greene, Matthews wrote letters to his girlfriend, Eva, detailing his entire World War I experience.
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Narrator: In 1914, World War I
officially broke out in Europe. It was supposed to be the war to
end all wars. But after three Years of ongoing warfare, the
fighting between the Central and Allied Powers had reached a
stalemate. The United States Officially entered the war in
support of the allies in April 1917. However, the U.S. had not
fought in any conflicts since The late 1800s. And wartime
technology had changed Drastically. They needed
soldiers, they needed training, And most importantly, they
needed a place to do it. That Place proved to be Charlotte,
North Carolina. When word got around that the
army needed boot camps to train New recruits from all across the
country, local Chamber of Commerce President David Evans
jumped at the opportunity to Bring the booming war industry
to Charlotte, a small textile Town. Evans sold the Queen City
as the perfect destination, Highlighting its available land
agreeable climate, and Established railroad
infrastructure. Once Charlotte Won the bid to host the training
facility, construction began Immediately on what would become
Camp Greene. It only took six weeks to erect
the initial structures and Welcome the first batch of
troops to the western side of Charlotte, according to
historian Edward S. Perzel. The Camp set just outside of the
city center near modern day Wilkinson Boulevard and
eventually expanded all the way To the Catawba River. Canvas
tents, wooden barracks, stables, A hospital, a post office, a
mess hall, an artillery range, An airfield, and miles upon
miles of red clay right for Digging trenches. Camp Greene
was a city within a city. According to Herbert White for
Our State Magazine, Camp Greene Had more than 60,000 soldiers
living on base during its peak Activity. Those soldiers ranged
from voluntary recruits to newly Drafted teenagers, and they came
from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to soldiers there
were doctors, nurses, cooks, and Other essential workers who
contributed to Camp Greene's
Success. After 16 weeks of
training in unexpectedly harsh Winter conditions, the 41st
Infantry Division became the First to leave Camp Greene for
France, where they joined up With the American Expeditionary
Forces. Eventually, World War I came to
an end on Nov. 11, 1918, and Camp Greene gradually started to
disappear. Tents were Disassembled, trenches were
filled, various buildings were Torn down, and the land returned
to civilian use. Now, the only Remaining building from Camp
Greene is the historic Dowd Family farmhouse, which was used
as the camp's headquarters from 1917 to 1918. Although Camp
Greene's history is short, the Facility played an essential
role in the First World War. Tens of thousands of veterans
came through the camp on their Way to Europe. So, on this
Veterans Day, we recognize the Men and women of Camp Greene and
their contributions to an Allied Victory in World War I. Happy
Veterans Day.
Moving to Charlotte North Carolina?
Events, Life, Sports, Weather, News
Charlotte North Carolina is a booming city that has something for everyone. It’s a mid-size southern city with a financial industry, multiple professional sports teams and stadiums, delicious (and evolving) food scene, lots of parks, and lots of family friendly neighborhoods. Singles, young couples and families are moving to Charlotte in record numbers. It’s not hard to see why. Unlike other fast-paced urban hubs, Charlotte is pretty chill.
From annual film festivals and porch fests to performing arts showcases and food and wine weeks, Charlotte residents come together for fun, high-profile events throughout the year. The city also hosts a variety of unique shopping destinations, ranging from traditional malls to 7th Street Public Market.
A big draw for many newcomers to Charlotte is the city’s abundance of green spaces. The city has more than 14 parks that provide a respite from the busy streets and bustling restaurants. In addition, the city boasts an impressive park-to-city ratio, with more green space than most other American cities.
If you want to get out and explore the great outdoors, you can hike the trails at Freedom Park or explore nature at Discovery Place Nature Museum. Or, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, try your hand at panning gold at Reed Gold Mine or bounce around for hours at Big Air Trampoline Park.
Those who move to Charlotte will need to budget for higher than average taxes. Depending on the size of your household, you’ll likely pay between 4% and 5% in income taxes each year. That’s not to mention local sales and property taxes that can add up.