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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

The Post-WWII era brought rapid development in Charlotte and the city was growing steadily during the 1960s. Charlotte’s non-white population increased by 50.5% between 1950 and 1960, from 37,511 to 56,471.

Through the years, this division continued to define Charlotte, as the city divided into areas based on race and income. In the southeast of the city, wealthy white families lived, while low- and moderate-income whites lived in the northeast and southwest. When government-sponsored urban renewal policies eliminated the vibrant Brooklyn community, African Americans concentrated in the northwest. Slum clearance or “urban renewal”, as it was often called, was a fracturing force of displacement and cultural eradication for African Americans. Federal policy was in effect nationwide from the 1950s until the 1970s, and on the surface appeared to be benevolent. Several policymakers promised to remove and replace “blighted” housing, and cities pledged to purchase shacks and tenements along dirt roads and sell them at reduced prices to private developers, who would replace them with better affordable housing. Over three decades, urban renewal policies destroyed more affordable housing than they created, and displaced thousands of minority families across the country.

Below are some amazing historical photos that show Charlotte, NC in the 1960s. Also check, Charlotte in the 1940s and 1950s.

#1 Anderson’s Restaurant (Interior), 1960

Anderson's Restaurant (Interior), 1960

Interior shot of the former Anderson's Restaurant on Elizabeth Avenue. Founded by Jimmie Anderson in 1946, the restaurant closed its doors in 2006. It was famous for its pecan pie.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#2 Berry Hall, 1960s

Berry Hall, 1960s

Berry Hall right after construction, ground is still dirt in front. typed label of back of photo reads "A College Dormitory, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#3 Former Morris Field Hospital Building, 1963

Former Morris Field Hospital Building, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#4 Students walking during a Civil Rights march, 1960s

Students walking during a Civil Rights march, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#5 The Cathedral of St. Patrick, 1960s

The Cathedral of St. Patrick, 1960s

Located on Dilworth Road, The John Henry Phelan family of Beaumont, Texas donated the funds to build the Saint Patrick in loving memory of his parents, Patrick and Margaret Adele Phelan. Frank Frimmer, an Austrian native known for remodeling famous Old World churches, designed and supervised construction of the church, with its gray stucco face, 400-seat nave, balcony and 77-foot tall tower. The ground breaking took place on March 17, 1939. On Sept. 4, 1939, Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness of Raleigh consecrated the church under the patronage of Saint Patrick. It became the first Catholic church in North Carolina to be consecrated immediately upon completion and in 1942 became a parish with Msgr. Arthur R. Freeman as pastor. On January 12, 1972, Pope Paul VI erected the Diocese of Charlotte and on that same day St. Patrick Church became the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#6 Presbyterian Hospital, 1961

Presbyterian Hospital, 1961

Presbyterian Hospital began as a private institution in 1898, but was later presented as a gift to local Presbyterian Churches in 1903. This is the second location of the hospital. The hospital began occupying the buildings formerly owned by Elizabeth College in 1917. It is located at the intersection of Hawthorne Lane and Elizabeth Avenue.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#7 Freedom Park Outdoor Theater, 1960

Freedom Park Outdoor Theater, 1960

The Charlotte Lions Club provided the funds for outdoor theater at the park. Many band concerts have taken place there over the years.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#8 Oaklawn Community Mausoleum, Charlotte, 1960s

Oaklawn Community Mausoleum, Charlotte, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#9 Morris Field Building, 1963

Morris Field Building, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#10 Group of students on the steps of Biddle Hall, 1960s

Group of students on the steps of Biddle Hall, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#11 Rosedale House, 1960

Rosedale House, 1960

Rosedale House is also known as the Craig-Davidson House in honor of its two previous owners. Built around 1780, it is located on North Tryon Street.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#12 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1960

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1960

St. Peter's Episcopal Church was first built in 1857 then rebuilt between 1880 and 1892. Located at the corner of 7th and North Tryon Streets, it is the oldest Episcopal Church in Charlotte.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#13 The Cathedral of St. Patrick, 1961

The Cathedral of St. Patrick, 1961

Located on Dilworth Road, The John Henry Phelan family of Beaumont, Texas donated the funds to build the Saint Patrick in loving memory of his parents, Patrick and Margaret Adele Phelan. Frank Frimmer, an Austrian native known for remodeling famous Old-World churches, designed and supervised construction of the church, with its gray stucco face, 400-seat nave, balcony and 77-foot-tall tower. The ground breaking took place on March 17, 1939.

On Sept. 4, 1939, Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness of Raleigh consecrated the church under the patronage of Saint Patrick. It became the first Catholic church in North Carolina to be consecrated immediately upon completion and in 1942 became a parish with Msgr. Arthur R. Freeman as pastor. On January 12, 1972, Pope Paul VI erected the Diocese of Charlotte and on that same day St. Patrick Church became the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#14 United States Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Charlotte, 1960

United States Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Charlotte, 1960

The Charles R. Jonas Federal Building is an historic two-story, limestone structure in the neo-classical design. Completed in 1915, it is located at 401 West Trade Street, in Charlotte. At various times it has served as a courthouse of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, and a United States post office. In 1975, the building was renamed in honor of long-serving North Carolina Congressman Charles R. Jonas, and was transferred to the city in exchange for land in the fall of 2005. The city leases the building to the federal government for continued use.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#15 Hezekiah Alexander House, 1969

Hezekiah Alexander House, 1969

The Hezekiah Alexander is the oldest home in Mecklenburg County. Made of stone and log timbers, it was built in 1774, Alexander was a prominent farmer and politician in the county. It is located off of Shamrock Road.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#16 Senator John F. Kennedy in Charlotte on January 17, 1960 during his first Presidential campaign.

Senator John F. Kennedy in Charlotte on January 17, 1960 during his first Presidential campaign.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#17 Home Federal Savings and Loan / Buford Hotel, 1965

Home Federal Savings and Loan / Buford Hotel, 1965

A picture of the Home Federal Savings and Loan Building prior to its demolition in 1965. Located at the corner of Fourth and Tryon Street, the photograph was taken on April 1, 1965. This building was once the Buford Hotel.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#18 Southern Railway Passenger Station, 1962

Southern Railway Passenger Station, 1962

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#19 Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#20 Former Officers Quarters BOQ, 1963

Former Officers Quarters BOQ, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#21 Trees- From Morrison Dorm, 1963

Trees- From Morrison Dorm, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#22 Diana Courtyard and Morrison Hall, 1960s

Diana Courtyard and Morrison Hall, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#23 Van Every building, 1960s

Van Every building, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#24 Library (Exterior) After Construction, 1966

Library (Exterior) After Construction, 1966

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#25 Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#26 Former Officers Quarters Building 270, 1963

Former Officers Quarters Building 270, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#27 Belk Chapel, Charlotte, 1960s

Belk Chapel, Charlotte, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#28 Honey Building in Charlotte, 1960s

Honey Building in Charlotte, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#29 Terrell building, 1960s

Terrell building, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#30 Terrell Building, 1960s

Terrell Building, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#31 Architectural Rendering of the ATC building, 1960s

Architectural Rendering of the ATC building, 1960s

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#32 Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

Library (Exterior) During Construction, 1968

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#33 Student block session outside Biddle Hall, 1960s

Student block session outside Biddle Hall, 1960s

JCSU students outside of Biddle Hall, very early view of campus. Front is labeled in pen "Block Session"

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#34 Osborne Motel, 1962

Osborne Motel, 1962

The Osborne Motel was located at 5621 North Tryon Street in Charlotte, North Carolina on US 29 North.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#35 Manger Motel, 1965

Manger Motel, 1965

The Manger Motel was located at the corner of North Tryon and 10th Streets in Uptown Charlotte.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#36 R. Horace Johnston residence, 1960

R. Horace Johnston residence, 1960

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#37 Cornelius Branch, 1965

Cornelius Branch, 1965

The Cornelius Branch of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County system - this building has since been replaced.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#38 James K. Polk House, 1968

James K. Polk House, 1968

The birthplace of America's Eleventh President, James Knox Polk is located in Pineville, North Carolina. The cabin has since been restored. Polk was an 1818 UNC Chapel Hill graduate. He became President of the United States on March 4, 1845.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#39 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1961

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1961

St. Mark's Lutheran Church is the oldest Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Worship services were first held in 1859. The church occupied a number of facilities, including a church on North Tryon Street prior to moving to Queens Road.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#40 Charlotte skyline, 1963

Charlotte skyline, 1963

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#41 Mint Museum of Art, 1960

Mint Museum of Art, 1960

The Mint Museum of Art is located on Randolph Road. (The structure is the original United States Mint that once located on West Trade Street.) It was moved to its current location sometime in the 1930s and opened in 1936 as an art museum. Today it houses great works of art.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#42 Freedom Park, 1960

Freedom Park, 1960

Freedom Park is located between Princeton Avenue and East Boulevard. This popular park was built to honor the men and women from Charlotte who fought and died for their country during World War II.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#43 Lance House Interior, 1960

Lance House Interior, 1960

The patio-reception area of the House of Lance in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#44 Firemen riding Engine No .2 during a procession, 1960

Firemen riding Engine No .2 during a procession, 1960

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#45 Temple Beth El, 1960

Temple Beth El, 1960

Temple Beth El was formed in 1942 and is now located on Providence Road.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#46 Temple Israel, 1960

Temple Israel, 1960

Temple Israel was formed in 1916. The first building was on W. 7th Street. In 1955, the synagogue moved to 1014 Dilworth Road. This building was demolished in the early 1990s when the congregation moved to new facilities at Shalom Park off of Providence Road.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#47 The Wachovia Bank Building on South Tryon Street, 1961

The Wachovia Bank Building on South Tryon Street, 1961

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#48 Rural Hill (Outbuilding), 1960

Rural Hill (Outbuilding), 1960

Photograph of a water well at Rural Hill, Plantation. Rural Hill was the home of General William Lee Davidson, who died at the Battle of Cowan's Ford in 1781. Davidson College was named for the General.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#49 Steam fire engine at a Charlotte station, 1965

Steam fire engine at a Charlotte station, 1965

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#50 The Charlotte Boys Choir during a trip to Daytona, Florida, 1960

The Charlotte Boys Choir during a trip to Daytona, Florida, 1960

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#51 Senator John F. Kennedy, 1960

Senator John F. Kennedy, 1960

Senator John F. Kennedy campaigning during the 1960 Presidential election. He came to Charlotte on September 17, 1960. Front Seat: The driver, County Police Chief George Stephens, and Governor Luther Hodges. Back seat from left to right: David Clark, Senator Kennedy and Terry Sanford.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#52 Springs-Wilson House, 1965

Springs-Wilson House, 1965

For more information regarding the Springs-Wilson House, see `The Plantation World Around Davidson.`

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#53 Home Federal Savings and Loan aka Buford Hotel, 1960s

Home Federal Savings and Loan aka Buford Hotel, 1960s

A picture of the Home Federal Savings and Loan Building prior to its demolition in 1965. Located at the corner of Fourth and Tryon Street, the photograph was taken on April 1, 1965. This building was once the Buford Hotel.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#54 Passenger Train, 1962

Passenger Train, 1962

The last passenger train serving the Southern Railway Passenger Station in November of 1962. This image captures the area north of the railyard.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#55 The Southern Railway Passenger Station as it appeared from Depot Street in November 1962.

The Southern Railway Passenger Station as it appeared from Depot Street in November 1962.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#56 House later Antique Store, 1968

House later Antique Store, 1968

Once a house in the 300 block of Brevard Street, it later became an antique store run by Archie Moore

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#57 Charlotte City Hall, 1960

Charlotte City Hall, 1960

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#58 Douglas Municipal Airport, 1960

Douglas Municipal Airport, 1960

The Charlotte Municipal Airport opened in 1936 under the auspices of the city of Charlotte. During World War II, the United States Army Airforce took over the management of the airport and established Morris Field Air Base in 1941. The airfield was used by the Third Airforce for antisubmarine patrols and training. After the war, a passenger terminal was added, and the airport was renamed the Douglas Municipal Airport in honor of Mayor Ben E. Douglas (1894-1981).

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#59 Freedom Park, 1960

Freedom Park, 1960

Freedom Park is located off of East Boulevard in Myers Park. It opened in 1948 and was named in honor of Charlotte's World War II soldiers.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#60 Johnston Building on South Tryon Street, 1960

Johnston Building on South Tryon Street, 1960

Located on the 200 block of South Tryon Street, the C.W. Johnston Building was completed in 1924. It was Charlotte's largest office building with 149,000 square feet and 17 stories.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#61 South Tryon Street, 1966

South Tryon Street, 1966

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#62 Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 1966

Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 1966

The Mecklenburg County Court House is located at 700 East Trade Street. It is now the offices of the Mecklenburg County's District Attorney.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#63 Golden Eagle Motor Inn, 1966

Golden Eagle Motor Inn, 1966

The Golden Eagle Motel was located at 601 North Tryon St., at the corner of Tryon and 9th Streets. The back of the card contains the following information:

"150 attractively decorated rooms and suites, each with T.V., room-controlled air-conditioning and heat, direct dial phones, wall-to-wall carpeting and tile baths. Restaurant and swimming pool. Comfortable rooms...reasonable prices...friendly atmosphere."

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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#64 Charlotte Memorial Hospital, 1961

Charlotte Memorial Hospital, 1961

Charlotte Memorial Hospital is now known as Carolinas Medical Center. It is located on Blythe Boulevard off of Kings Drive.

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What Charlotte, NC looked like in the 1960s Through Amazing Historical Photos

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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