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The division of Charlotte into four wards was a natural progression. The crossroads Trade and Tryon Streets had long existed as trading paths.
Second Ward lies within the city of Charlotte, NC, south of Trade Street and east of Tryon Street. Boundary Street and Little Sugar Creek formed its other boundaries.
In the late 1940s, Myers Street School was the largest elementary school in North Carolina for black children. The school was torn down as part of urban renewal.
Myers Street School
In the late 1940s, Myers Street School was the largest elementary school in North Carolina for black children. The school was torn down as part of urban renewal. The site is now part of Metro School and the Aquatic Center.
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South Brevard Street (east side only)
1) 401 - Brevard Street Library
"Rock of Ages:" Charlotte's Black Churches Weather Adversity and Retain Strength
by Kathleen McLain
In 1923, the city opened two new high schools, Central High School on Elizabeth Ave. for white students and Second Ward High School on Alexander St. for black students.
The United House Of Prayer For All People on South McDowell St. The church was torn down in 1970 as part of urban renewal. The site is now part of Marshall Park.
Groundbreaking for the new First Baptist Church site. Left to right: Walter Taylor Sr., Irma Bland, Mildred Aldridge, Mary Kendrick, Bessie Franks, and Donald Kendrick.
Brooklyn Presbyterian Church at the corner of South McDowell and Bell Court was organized in 1911.
The Little Rock AME Zion Church was originally located in Third Ward. In 1919, the building was moved to Myers Street in First Ward.
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South Brevard Street (east side only)
(4th Street intersects)
205 - Presson Tire Co.
The following text is taken from an article in the Charlotte Observer: “Rock of ages: Charlotte`s black churches weather adversity, retain strength,” by Kathleen McLain. (Charlotte Observer, February 8, 1987, p.1A)
CHARLOTTE CORRIDOR SYMBOLIZES TRADITION
By Frye Gaillard
Adapted from the Charlotte Observer, June 8, 1990
Beatties Ford Road – The River of Life
It is Sunday morning on Beatties Ford Road.
Many of Charlotte's African-American families have lived in the Beatties Ford Road area for decades.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s voice filled the gymnasium on the Smith campus. His address was the highlight of the university's 1967 centennial celebration.
Friendship Baptist Church, on S. Brevard St. in Second Ward, was demolished as part of urban renewal. In October 1963, the congregration left the original site and held worship services at Northwest Junior High School. They raised the funds for the new church through tithes and offerings.