The History of Mecklenburg County

Created in 1762, Mecklenburg County's first town (created in 1768) was named after Queen Charlotte of England, the wife of King George III, who as from Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany. Scot-Irish immigrants began settling the area of Mecklenburg County in the early 1700s and lived in peace with the neighboring Catawba Indians.

County Formation and Boundary Changes

Mecklenburg County was created in 1762 (some say 1763) from Anson County. In 1768, the western part of Mecklenburg County became a portion of the former Tryon County. In 1792, the northestern section of the county became Cabarrus County. Finally, in 1842, the southeastern portion of the county, in conjunction with a portion of Anson County, created Union County.

Over the years, many towns have sprung up in Mecklenburg County. Below is a list of the old and newer towns and townships. I hope to get up a map in the future.

Berryhill Township (South-West section of the county)
Charlotte (central portion of the county)
Clear Creek (southeastern section of the county)
Crab Orchard (East of Charlotte)
Cornelius (northwestern section of the county) - founded 1893
Davidson (northern section of the county, part of Iredell County) - founded 1837
Deweese Township (northern section of the county)
Huntersville (North of Charlotte - formerly known as "Craighead") - incorporated 1873
Lemley Township(northwestern section of the county)
Long Creek Township (North of Charlotte)
Mallard Creek Township (North-East of Charlotte)
Matthews (South-East of Charlotte - formerly known as "Fullwood", name changed 1825) - incorporated 1879
Mint Hill (West of Charlotte, encompasses Clear Creek Township) - first settled 1750, incorporated 1971
Morning Star Township (part of Mint Hill)
Paw Creek Township (East of Charlotte) /li>
Pineville (South of Charlotte) - incorporated 1873
Providence Township (part of Charlotte)
Sharon Township (historic township, no longer exists - was a township in Charlotte)
Steel Creek Township (South-West of Charlotte)