4 fascinating things you can learn on a walking tour of Charlotte

Charlotte is changing and growing so quickly that it feels like there’s always a new restaurant, coffee shop or brewery to explore. It’s an awesome time to live here. But it’s also easy to focus so much on the new that you don’t fully appreciate how the city got to be what it is today.

I’ve always loved spending time uptown, but until I went on a walking tour with Genie Hufham of Charlotte Crown Guides, I had no idea how much history is packed into the spots that I visit regularly.

Interested in what you’ll learn about on one of Hufham’s tours? Here are a few highlights:

(1) The meaning of those statues at Trade and Tryon

They represent commerce, industry, transportation and the future. Look closely and you’ll notice that each statue is packed with symbolism that relates to that particular subject. And, spoiler alert, they’re all looking toward the statue that represents the future. Genie breaks down this and other symbolism behind the art.

(2) How the Mint Museum got its name

I had a feeling the museum wasn’t named after Crest toothpaste, but I didn’t make the coin connection until my tour.

“Most people don’t know our area was home to the first gold rush,” Hufham explained. “We minted gold coins until about 1861. The facility stood at the corner of what’s now Trade and Mint Street.”

(3) Learn more about the impressive artwork in the Bank of America building.

The fresco (mural) in the lobby was done by artist Ben Long, who grew up in Statesville. You may have noticed the beautiful work before, but Genie draws your attention to some interesting details you probably wouldn’t pick out by yourself, such as the fact that the artist features himself and his son in the work.

(4) The hornet is more than just our basketball team’s mascot

The story of what the hornet means to Charlotte dates back much further than the matching sweatshirt and tear-away sweatpants set you were so proud of in ’94.

“The hornet goes back to James Jack and the Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence signed on May 20th, 1775,” Hufham said. “Jack took it by horseback and filed it at the Second Continental Congress, earning a reputation with the British. When British General Cornwallis came down Tryon Street, he burned down Jack’s tavern and home, trying to make a statement.

“Little did he know that the Charlotte patriots weren’t going to put up with that, so finally the Brits left, saying that Charlotte was a hornets’ nest of rebellion. You’ll see the hornets nest on our insignia and on the plaques on our historic buildings, and of course with our basketball team.”

Whether you want to impress your friends with some Charlotte trivia or are just looking to learn more about your city, I’d definitely suggest going on one of Hufham’s tours. She’s full of knowledge about Charlotte, and is also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. It’s a great combination.

you’ll ever meet. It’s a great combination. Her next one is Saturday, Nov. 28, at 9:30 a.m. Get more information on her website or call 704-562-5350.

Photos: Lauren Levine; Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 12:05 AM with the headline "4 fascinating things you can learn on a walking tour of Charlotte."