Charlotte
History of Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1768. The city is named in honour of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England. During the American Revolution, it earned the nickname ‘Hornet’s Nest’ due to its fierce resistance against the British troops. The advent of the railroad in the 1850s sparked growth and Charlotte quickly became a major textile manufacturing centre. In the 20th century, the discovery of a large hornet’s nest in a city elm tree reaffirmed the city’s nickname. Today, Charlotte has evolved into a major U.S. financial centre, second only to New York City in terms of financial assets, thanks in large part to the presence of Bank of America’s headquarters and Wells Fargo’s East Coast operations.
FAQ for Charlotte
What is the best way to get there?
Charlotte Douglas International Airport services many domestic and international flights. If you are travelling domestically, you may also consider Amtrak trains or driving.
What is Charlotte famous for?
Charlotte is most famous for its financial institutions, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA.
What are five interesting facts about Charlotte?
1. It’s the largest city in North Carolina.
2. It’s a major U.S. financial center.
3. It hosts the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
4. It’s home to the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
5. It’s named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
How did Charlotte get its name?
Charlotte got its name from Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
What are some travel tips for Charlotte?
Plan ahead for the weather, make time to visit the many museums and sports facilities, try the local cuisine, and use the city’s public transportation for convenience.
Do I need a visa?
Depending on your nationality and reason for your visit, you may need a visa to enter the United States. It is recommended to check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
When is the best time to visit Charlotte?
The best time to visit Charlotte is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is most pleasant.
Are there local customs I should know for Charlotte?
Drinking
The legal drinking age is 21, and identification is often required. Some places may have specific hours for alcohol sales.
Greetings
People in Charlotte are known for their southern hospitality. A friendly greeting, a smile, and a handshake are common when meeting someone.
Public transit
Public transportation is readily available and includes buses and a light rail system. Always have your ticket or fare ready.
What is the time zone for Charlotte?
Charlotte is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST, UTC -5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4) during daylight saving time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The United States uses Type A and Type B plugs. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
What is the currency?
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD).
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes, ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are most commonly used.
Can you use ApplePay and Google Pay?
Yes, many businesses in Charlotte accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.
How much do I tip in Charlotte?
Tipping
In Charlotte, tipping is customary. Here are the general rules:
Restaurants/bars
In sit-down restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill before tax is standard.
Hotels
You should tip bellboys $1-2 per bag and housekeepers around $2 per day.
Taxis
For taxis, a tip of 10-15% is standard.
Tour guides
For tour guides, tipping is dependent on the length of the tour – consider $5-10 for half-day tours and $10-20 for a full-day tour.
Charlotte at a Glance
Founded
Population (2022)
Elevation
1768
897,720 (source)
748 ft
Weather
Seasons and Months
High Temperature (°C/°F)
Low Temperature (°C/°F)
Spring (March – May)
22°C/71.6°F
10°C/50°F
Summer (June – August)
32°C/89.6°F
20°C/68°F
Fall (September – November)
25°C/77°F
14°C/57.2°F
Winter (December – February)
15°C/59°F
2°C/35.6°F
