If you ask anyone the most famous intersection in Charlotte, you’ll undeniably hear Trade & Tryon. Charlotte was built revolving around this intersection, which was originally a Native American crossroads. Today, Trade & Tryon is dividing point for the different neighborhoods in Uptown that we refer to as “wards.”
First Ward
The area of First Ward lies east of the Trade & Tryon intersection and extends along North Tryon Street to the northwest and East Trade Street to the southwest.
It was less than 10 years ago that First Ward was considered “dangerous,” but has seen quite the turnaround after a HUD Hope VI grant making the area much more desirable. The Uptown campus of UNCC, Spirit Square, the Main Library, and Time Warner Cable Arena are all housed within this ward.
Second Ward
The area of Second Ward lies south of the Trade & Tryon intersection and extends along South Tryon to the northwest and East Trade Street to the northeast.
During the 1880’s, Second Ward was referred to as “Brooklyn” and was the heart of the African-American community in Charlotte. It housed both the educated and wealthy, as well as the poor and uneducated portions of the black community.
Today, you will find the EpiCentre, Charlotte Convention Center, and the Nascar Hall of Fame.
Third Ward
The area of Third Ward lies to the west of the Trade & Tryon intersection and extends along South Tryon to the southeast and West Trade Street to the northeast.
Third Ward is a melting pot of shops, housing, education, sports, and offices and is probably the most diverse area in Uptown. Bank of America Stadium, BB&T Park, Johnson & Wales University, Romare Bearden Park, and is home to a new project called Wachovia’s First Street Project.
Fourth Ward
The area of Fourth Ward lies north of the Trade & Tryon intersection and extends along North Tryon to the southwest and West Trade Street to the southwest.
Fourth Ward is predominantly residential, houses Fourth Ward Park and is an official historic district.
2nd St. between Caldwell & Brevard, Brooklyn neighborhood. Undated.
Image Credit: The Charlotte Observer
Map of Charlotte's Wards.
Image Credit: Living Uptown Charlotte