Charlotte is located in
Mecklenburg County and it is the county seat. The city is situated between
Gastonia and
Kannapolis along Interstate 85, on the banks of the Rocky River. Residents experience four seasons and a moderate climate. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 504,637, an increase of 85,079 since 1990.
Charlotte's leading industries are industrial machinery, printing & publishing, food & beverages, rubber & plastics, and chemicals.
The city was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. According to local tradition, Charlotte patriots signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in 1775, a year before the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Places to visit include the Charlotte Museum of History, Historic Latta Plantation and the Charlotte Historic Trolley Museum. There also is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and Ribbon Walk. The city is the home of the UNC Charlotte.
Charlotte is part of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill metro area.
