Uptown Charlotte is known for many things. It’s the largest business district in the Carolinas and is home to Fortune 500 companies like Bank of America and Honeywell. It is also the site of many sporting events throughout the year. All are things you’d expect to find in a large, urban locale. But Charlotte’s Uptown drills down to four neighborhoods (called wards) and one of them is home to an ancient cemetery that first opened during the Revolutionary War.

Most people familiar with Charlotte know that Fourth Ward is historically a residential neighborhood. It's home to Charlotte's beloved Fourth Ward Park (pictured here).
Google Maps/August Banks
But located only steps away from the three-acre Fourth Ward Park is another green space...
Google Maps [street view]
... a space that's the permanent home to over 400 Charlotte residents.
Google Local/Cindy L
Welcome to Old Settlers Cemetery, formerly known (at least until the 1850s) as Town Cemetery.
Google Local/Cindy L
After opening in 1776, Town Cemetery remained the primary burial ground until the city opened Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery in 1854.

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Visitors to Fourth Ward who stumble upon this ancient burial park are usually amazed that such a treasure trove of history has been preserved within the heart of the largest business district in the Carolinas.
TripAdvisor/Yoritomo
Graves here date all the way back to that of Joel Baldwin, who died in September 1776.
TripAdvisor/StephenCross
In spite of a bit of wear, the nearly 250-year-old cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful green space that welcomes visitors to stroll among the old oaks and along the brick-lined pathways.
TripAdvisor/StephenCross
Locals, in fact, treat the Old Settlers Cemetery much like a park, rather than a burial ground.
TripAdvisor/Yoritomo
It's easy to see why! Old Settler's blends the old with the new in the best of ways. Pops of green among the cityscape and a down to earth humbling vibe that can only be found among departed souls make Old Settler's Cemetery a must-visit spot the next time you're in the neighborhood.
TripAdvisor/StephenCross

Have you ever stumbled upon Old Settler’s Cemetery in Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward? What’d you think about it? Feel free to join the discussion!

Know of another old cemetery or hauntingly beautiful spot we should consider for a feature article? You can nominate it here!

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