McCrorey Heights, located just north of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) off Beatties Ford Rd and Oaklawn Ave, is one of Charlotte’s most historically important neighborhoods. Founded by JCSU president H.L. McCrorey in 1912, the neighborhood over the years became home to many prominent Black Charlotteans.

Residents supporting the movement to designate McCrory Heights as a local historic district share their memories and hopes for the storied community.

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Things to Know About Charlotte North Carolina

The climate of Charlotte North Carolina is temperate, with summer temperatures reaching as high as 104 degrees and winter lows as low as 32 degrees. The city enjoys all four seasons and is known for its spectacular Fall foliage. Compared to other parts of the country, Charlotte experiences mild winters. The city generally sees snow only once or twice a year, though the Charlotte Mountains can have a fresh layer of white powder when the temperature dips.

In the late nineteenth century, Charlotte was a small town centered around railroad distribution. By the 1950s, it was the largest city in the Carolinas. During this time, aggressive businessmen transformed the city into a modern financial powerhouse. Charlotte managed to survive a major economic depression and avoided the ensuing deterioration of other southern cities. However, the city continues to grow and evolve. Here are some things to know about Charlotte:

The city has a surprisingly low crime rate. While auto theft is the main concern, violent crime is extremely rare in the central district and on the affluent south side. The city’s police are well-known for maintaining visible presence throughout crowded areas, and there are even bicycle-riding cops patrolling some areas. The city has a high concentration of parks, but it can still be a home to allergies, so it’s best to avoid the central business district if you have sensitive skin.

The area that is now Charlotte was first settled in 1755. A man named Thomas Spratt (whose daughter married U.S. President James K. Polk) settled in the Elizabeth neighborhood. His house was built at the intersection of two Native American trading routes. One of these trails ran north-south, while another travelled east-west. These two paths created a major trading center for the region. The city was later incorporated into the nation’s economy.