Kelly Stratton

Dilworth

Dilworth is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in South Charlotte. Its history is fascinating and closely linked with the career of Edward Dilworth Latta. In 1876 Mr. Latta moved from New York City to Charlotte. Latta was typical of the new class of investors who arose following the Civil War. He founded E.D. Latta and Brothers, a men's clothing store in 1876 and the Charlotte Trouser Company in 1883. With much financial success under his belt, Latta launched a series of investment ventures and in 1890 joined with Mayor R.B. McDowell and four other residents of Charlotte to create the Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company which would become known locally as the Four C's. They set forth in their plan to develop a suburb named Dilworth and purchased 442 acres south of Charlotte. To connect Dilworth to downtown Charlotte, they decided to build a streetcar system. Having purchased the city's old horse-drawn cars, the Four C's contracted with the Edison Electric Company for $40,000 to install new electric trolley lines. It seemed only natural when they then formed the Charlotte Railway Company. In their further development of Dilworth the Four C's constructed Latta Park at the end of the trolley line in Dilworth. They hired Joseph Forsyth Johnston, a landscape architect, to design and supervise the building of a lake, lily pad pond, beautiful fountains, terraced flower gardens and a network of paths and drives. Latta Park became a local favorite even before Dilworth officially opened. Dilworth really took off when the Atherton Cotton Mills was built just south of Dilworth in 1892-83. Latta and his partners had a lot of hardships and tough decisions over eventually shaped Dilworth’s history in the years that followed. In 1911 Latta set forth on his dream of expanding Dilworth. He consulted with the Olmsted Brothers firm , a leading planning firm in the U.S. at the time, and the plans were laid out. The Olmsted’s design of that particular section of Dilworth continues to be a sought after residential neighborhood. The wide winding tree lined streets are one of the most beautiful sites in the Charlotte area. The architectural mix of Dilworth includes frame and brick Bungalows, Colonial Revivals and Tudor Revival cottages. New home construction blends in beautifully by conforming to the charming design and landscapes of the existing neighborhoods.

With its' proximity to uptown Charlotte, rich history and vibrant character, Dilworth offers everything the most discerning homeowner could want. Walk to the quaint local shops, take a stroll through Latta Park, or ride your bike on the wonderful streets. With big beautiful front porches welcoming friends, family and neighbors, make sure you have plenty of sweet tea on hand.

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