3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte
704/568-1774
www.charlottemuseum.org

HOURS: Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m.;
tours of homesite daily 1:15 and 3:15 p.m., limited to 20 people, first-come, first-served

COST: $6 adults, $5 students and seniors, $3 children 6–12,
free children under 6

Hezekiah Alexander played an important role in the history of Mecklenburg County. Born in 1722, he was a second-generation American who served as county magistrate, signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and served on the committee appointed to draft the first State Constitution and Bill of Rights. He was also the founder and trustee of Queens College and served as its first treasurer.

The Hezekiah Alexander House is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. It was built in 1774 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 5,000-square-foot rock home still stands on its original site and is now part of the Charlotte Museum of History; a reproduction log kitchen, barn, and springhouse have been added to the site.

Guided tours are offered daily, led by museum docents dressed in 18th-century costumes who describe the buildings, artifacts, and furnishings and highlight the history of Charlotte. Self-guided cell phone tours are available anytime.

Exhibits such as “Settlement in the Backcountry” and “Mecklenburg: Crossroads of Commerce” highlight the Queen City’s rich and varied history. The permanent exhibits include 7,000 artifacts, including furnishings, textiles, tools, clothing, and household items. Visitors are welcome to pack a picnic and spend the day on the eight-acre historical campus.