The city of Charlotte has been on the map since 1768 – can you believe it? That’s almost 250 years. Have you ever wondered what our city looked like before now? We found some of the oldest pictures ever taken of Charlotte and wanted to share, just in case you were interested.

This image of the Charlotte skyline shows just how much our city has changed since when it was taken in the 1920s.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission Website
This photo shows the Atherton Cotton Mill which opened in 1893.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission Website
This building has since been turned into condos. The Atherton Mill building that still exists today was actually the historic trolley station where mill workers began and ended each day as they caught their ride to and from the mill.
This photo was taken of some of the Atherton Mill workers in the early 20th century.
Charlotte Historic Landmark Commission Website
You'll notice how young the workers are, the average age was 11 to 12 years old.
Trolley's became a popular mode of transportation in the mid-1920's.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission Website
It was common for trolley conductors and staff to take a picture each time they finished a line.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission

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 Here's What Life In Charlotte Looked Like In The Early 20th Century

Here's What Life In Charlotte Looked Like In The Early 20th Century
The banking industry has always been a big influence in Charlotte.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
This is an image of Charlotte's First National Bank which was located on Tryon St.
This photo is of Union National Bank, which eventually merged with First National bank in Asheville to create First Union.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
In addition to banking, there were many other big businesses located Uptown that are no longer there.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
Sears, Roebuck & Company was a major employer in the early 20th century.
The Ford Motor Company also had a presence Uptown.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
And the Queen City Hotel was a popular place for travelers and those passing through.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
This picture is of one of the first McDonald's in the city located off of Independence Blvd.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission
You could get a hamburger here for $.15 back in the day. What a steal!

How long have you lived in Charlotte? Do you have any pictures you can show us? Share them in the comments.

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