We did a history, graveyard walking tour. Our tour guide was great informative and very animated. We learned a lot about the history of this particular graveyard. For instants, the gravesites/stones that we saw where from the graves a wealthy people. They were buried on top and then the grave started trickling down to what they believe is layers and layers and layers surrounding the cemetery. They are at sidewalk level, what they believe is that the poor people were buried on top of each other, they don't know how deep or how many are buried there. I went back the next day to get some better pictures, I WOULD recommend a tour of this place to get the history. read more

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Very historical and interesting for sure, lots of older souls to see. Hope you get the same result

We just walked through the cemetery to check it out very hard to read some of the tombstones. Also, I guess if you go on a tour, you get to know a little bit more information. read more

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What a beautiful park in uptown Charlotte. We enjoyed the historical graves and the skyline is fantastic. Definitely recommend stopping by for a great walk and unique experience. read more

If you love historical places (and we are talking late 18th century historical) and cemeteries, then this gorgeous little two-fer Uptown gem will check both those boxes! This OG cemetery houses gravesites (and gravestones) from the 1768 settlers (hence the name) to the last interment in 1867. It's beautiful during the day, and creepy (yet oddly serene) at night. There are some walking tours you can take to give you a broader history of this place, but I think it is so much more fun to wander around and look at the different tombstones (some with legible dates that pre-date the Declaration of Independence!). Definitely a must-see if you are in Uptown, as it is a quaint yet majestic reminder of the city's history, and its efforts to preserve it. There was even an amazing installation done during the recent CLT SHout! Art Fest this year! read more

On previous visits to Charlotte, I wanted to stop by the Settler's Cemetery, but had difficulty determining where to park. However, on today's visit, I was staying at a nearby hotel and walked over to the cemetery. It's truly in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown and it could easily be missed when passing by. However, when you enter the park, you find a certain calmness in the historical headstones that you seldom feel anywhere else. There are several very large trees providing shade and a few chairs throughout the park. Due to the age of the stones, you'll only be able to clearly read several of them. I noted several people walking their dogs in the park and a dog chasing a stick at one point. If you're looking for quiet repose in a beautiful area of town, Settlers' Cemetery will serve you well. read more

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Located in Charlotte's Uptown, this is the original cemetery for the first settlers in 1768 and continued as such until the last interment in 1867. It is part of the hilltop that comprises the very heart of Charlotte's uptown. The cemetery is owned by the City of Charlotte. Crisscrossed by mostly even paths and dotted with benches, it is more like a small park in the city center. The oldest known burial in the Old Cemetery is that of Joel Baldwin, who died October 21, 1776, at the age of 26. The northwest corner of the cemetery was set aside for the servants of the families whose members were interred there. One of the figures from the Revolutionary era there is Colonel Thomas Polk, who died in 1793, and was the great-uncle of President James K. Polk. Among his accomplishments were reported to be his holding office as one of the county's first commissioners, being treasurer and trustee of Queens College and a member of the Colonial Assembly, and signing the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. At the entrance corner, you'll find two tall plaques. One has a map of the cemetery and the other has a list of the markers. Sadly, several of the stones have been broken or damaged. Further, note that taking rubbings of the markers is not permitted as it damages the stones. [Review 15390 overall, 892 of 2021, number 2940 in North Carolina.] read more

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A nice historic cemetery in downtown Charlotte. It was a nice walk throughout the paved walkways within the cemetery. However I am absolutely appalled at the disrespectful residents of Charlotte who think this solemn place is their personal dog park. Trash cans over flowing with doggie bags. Totally classless, Charlotte. read more

It's quite sad how many markers are unreadable or completely knocked over. I wish they had plaques pointing out people of interest or grave markers with special art or unique wording. It struck us as odd how much empty space there is here, too, seeing as they've obviously been using this cemetery for hundreds of years. Still, it's nice to have open space in the city, and there is history to be learned here. read more

Though it's MUCH smaller than nearby Elmwood Cemetery (my preferred place to go for walks, to walk my dog, or to read the paper on a sunny day--no, I'm not goth), Settler's Cemetery is a great place to hang out, and it's literally a street over from the center of downtown. From a historical perspective, Settler's is worth checking out if only because it houses some of the oldest graves in town--super old (hence the name). These are definitely worth checking out. On top of that, the cemetery is beautiful--lots of grass, and lots of benches to relax on. It's a good place to take your dog, too: there are normally tons of other dogs and walkers hanging out here. A little open air and space is a nice change in downtown, trust me. Make use of it. read more

Old Settlers' Cemetery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Located right in the historic Fourth Ward, my new home, this cemetary is a cool place to visit. It is significant in terms of history for Charlotte, considering the following: 1) it was the first municipal burial ground in Charlotte, North Carolina, 2) the Old Settlers' Cemetery contains the earthly remains of many of the most prominent citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in the late 18th and 19th century, and 3) the Old Settlers' Cemetery is the centerpiece of the Fourth Ward Historic District. It's a beautiful and peacful place to walk through, with brick-laid walkways and gorgeous trees sprouting within it. A great place to get a taste of history, or simply have some quiet time. read more

Old Settlers' Cemetery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

When I worked in Uptown, I used to go here during my lunch time. I'd wander down the street, and find a nice bench in the sun and ponder life. Interesting I know, pondering life in a cemetery... I'm a weirdo. But as far as cemeteries go, this one is very park like with a couple walking paths through it, so maybe I'm not such a weirdo after all. It's right in the middle of the city which I found odd and interesting. You are surrounded by towering sky scrapers, while gazing upon headstones that are barely legible any longer. Maybe I'm on to something with that whole life pondering thing. I remember thinking how small I was in comparison to everything around me, and how peaceful those lunches were. I'd often times take a book to read and friendly passer byers would nod at me, while their dogs would sniff my shoe. I'd squint up at them and smile, or give their dog a little pat on the head before they were gone. The trees over head would provide a great shade on those days of extreme heat, and it created a beautiful canopy for photos in this magical place. I miss this place and if you are close enough to take advantage of it's beauty, I hope you do. Many days I left with a calm that I can't explain. It's unique, and beautiful. read more

This is a pretty cool historical site. The graves are in pretty bad shape though. Sad to see such a historical landmark that's been made into a dog park. Tons of grave stones are broken and in crumbles. Which is somewhat expected since it's such an old site. But the fact that no one is maintaining the landmark, it's an injustice. Overall a cool little site to see. read more

I really dig this place. Met my spouse at this place; though they were six feet under I was in pretty deep! They have great shopping options many different stands and they have the names of the sellers on each stall! read more

What a great little park. This cemetery is right in the middle of the city, and while it isn't big enough to stroll around for long, cutting through here is much nicer than walking the surrounding blocks. I expect people eat lunches here in the middle of the day - it's that kind of place with nice big leafy trees. And check out the old graves; some date back to the Revolutionary War. read more

It's a cemetery/park that does very little for the visitor. The best part is the view of the church across the street. read more

Old Settlers' Cemetery - Gothic style church right across from the cemetery. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina