SouthPark Neighborhoods

Fourth Ward-A Charlotte Gem from the Past

What are Wards?
The center city of Charlotte's residential districts are divided  into four of them. The division begins at "The Square", which is at the intersection of  Trade and Tryon Streets. To further break this down, 4th Ward is Northwest, 3rd Ward is Southwest, 2nd Ward is Southeast, and 1st Ward is Northeast.

The Queen City has many jewels, and Fourth Ward is one of them. It is a Charlotte favorite, steeped in history. Prior to visiting the Fourth Ward, you may want to stop by the tourist information office at the 300 block of South Tryon. Ask for a map, which includes a self-guided tour.

The fourth ward, especially on Ninth Street, shows off some of the grandest in Charlotte's old architecture.
It's a visual delight to view Charlotte homes for sale in the Fourth Ward. These homes have the distinction of being set in the heart of uptown, and have continued to be one of the most charming spots in the city.

With it's street lamps, and  cozy old fashioned front porches, this area is sure to have you swooning!  Granted, it is a little off the beaten path and a bit tricky to find parking, but definitely worth the effort. Find a parking spot, and get out and walk the area-it's not too large of a district and with your handy map, you are ready to go!

If you are interested in eating where the "locals" (and those in the know) go for a food and ale,  make sure to stop by Alexander Michael's (sometimes called Al Mike's ). This is a great little spot tucked away in the historical neighborhood of the Fourth Ward. It's located at the corner of Ninth and  Pine.

This is a classic quaint pub of yesteryear that'll make you want to slip your shoes off and pretend that you live in the neighborhood!  Dark paneling, candle light, and great crab soup...and fried pickles and an excellent beer selection!   As a sidenote, Alexander Michael's is rumored to be haunted. The original site (circa 1891) was the neighborhood grocery store.

Continue your tour...The Charleston-style row houses beckon you back to the late 1800's. The backdrop for the neighborhood includes Fourth Ward Park, and Settlers Cemetary-Charlotte's first graveyard. Settler's Cemetery is one street over from the center of uptown. The Old Settlers Cemetery has some of the most renowned names in Charlotte's history buried there...its inhabitants dating back to 1776!

Make  sure not to bypass Fourth Ward Park. It's a lovely three acre park with an abundance of old shade trees. It is complete with walking trails, benches, water fountains and a few playground units. Elmwood Cemetery, the historic green spot separating Fourth Ward from Third Ward  is popular with joggers. (larger than Settlers and considered to be in the Third Ward).  It offers a pretty good stretch of land to run through. Looking upwards, past this great park, is the ever-rising skyline of Charlotte.  Bright, new and shiny.

Here, Charlotte's new buildings continue to reach for the skies...all except in the Fourth Ward. Where comfort is still found under the shade trees and on top of the green grass.