Historical Sites to Visit in Charlotte: 18th Century Ruins, Historic Village and Plantation

Charlotte, N.C.- The Charlotte area is rapidly growing with new buildings and attractions. But visitors or residents can get a taste of the past at several historical landmarks and museums. 

Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve

This 920-acre park features seven hiking trails, a nature center and a children’s playground. The hidden gem, however, is the Robinson Rock House Ruins.

The Robinson Rock House was built in the 18th century, around the time Mecklenburg County was first formed. It was constructed on overlapping land between George Augustus Selwyn and King George III. After passing through several owners, the land was acquired by Mecklenburg County in 1979, and converted into a nature preserve. 

The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset.. 

Carl J. McEwen Historic Village

Located in Mint Hill, this restored village gives visitors a glimpse into the past with  more than half a dozen preserved buildings and outbuildings. 

Highlights include the Ira V. Ferguson Country Store, the Gold Assay office, a meat curing building, the Ashcraft one room schoolhouse and a corn crib. 

Tours are offered weekly. From May through September, the Mint Hill Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring local produce, crafts and  live music. 

Admission is $4 for students ages 6-18 and seniors 60 and older. Adult admission is $5, while children under 5 are free.

Historic Rosedale

Once a plantation, the nine-acre Historic Rosedale site includes a restored 1815 home, a recreated blacksmith shop and gardens with diverse trees and flowers.

In 2021, the African American Legacy Project was launched  to preserve and share the history of those who were enslaved and later emancipated at Rosedale.. The initiative plans to create exhibits and a memorial space to reflect on and honor their lives and descendants. 

Guided house tours are available Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grounds tours are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission for guided house tours is $13 for students, seniors and military personnel, and $15 for adults. Children under 5 are free. Grounds admission is $5.