Charlotte Liberty Walk

In its formative years, Charlotte was at the crossroads of some of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolution. The city and surrounding area were home to four major battles that helped turn the tide of war and led to victory at Yorktown, Va. Though relics of those events are long gone, folks can revisit history by taking a stroll along Charlotte's Liberty Walk uptown.

A little more than a mile long, the Liberty Walk is similar to Boston's Freedom Trail, with educational markers and monuments that memorialize how Charlotte's citizens participated in and influenced that significant time in our nation's history.


There are19 stops along the route, which starts near the corner of South Tryon St. and East Stonewall St. The trail follows Tryon St. north several blocks to Trade St., where it takes a left and makes a lollipop loop around Church St., 5th St., and College St., ending back at The Square (the official center of town, at Trade and Tryon). Check out the interactive map for directions and information about each stop along the way. The trail is marked by Liberty Walk sidewalk pavers.

Whether you're a lifetime local, a recent transplant, or a visitor passing through, the Liberty Walk is a compelling way to spend an hour or two uptown.

You'll learn about the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which preceded the U.S. Declaration of Independence by a year. And about Ishmael Titus Marker, one of 5,000 African Americans (many from North Carolina), who served among the front-line troops on the American side of the war. And about the inn where President George Washington spent the night in 1791.

One of the most moving stops on the Liberty Walk for me is Settlers Cemetery. In it lie the remains of many of the leading figures in the founding of our city. It's remarkable to spend time quietly learning about these people and seeing their grave markers, which date back to the 1700s.

Before you go, take a minute to read the brochure for a full list of destination descriptions so that you know what you're looking for and can familiarize yourself with a bit of the history you'll discover.

This activity is good for all ages, including -- and maybe especially -- kids (taking the walk and searching for markers along the way feels a little bit like a scavenger hunt). And, the Liberty Walk is a wonderful companion to the Trail of History along Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which pays tribute to key figures in Charlotte's historic growth and development.


How to get there:
Charlotte Liberty Walk begins near the corner of South Tryon St. and East Stonewall St. The trail follows Tryon St. north several blocks to Trade St., where it takes a left and makes a lollipop loop around Church St., 5th St., and College St., ending back at The Square (the official center of town, at Trade and Tryon).


Parking is available nearby in metered spots on the street or in one of the surrounding parking decks. You might also consider parking elsewhere and riding the Lynx Blue Line. Or ride your bike!

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your smartphone for following an interactive map or a printed copy of the Liberty Walk route and stops
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Money for parking and/or a bite to eat