Independence Boulevard in the 1950s
When Independence Blvd. first opened in 1949 and 1950, Charlotte was a sleepy city of 133,000.  Today, Charlotte is a thriving city of over 650,000 and a metropolitan area of over 2 million.  Like the city, Independence Blvd. has seen many changes to its surroundings.  Below are numerous photos of Independence Blvd. just after it was completed in 1950.  All images are courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Jerry's drive-in Restaurant was located on Independence Boulevard at the intersection of East Fourth Street near Elizabeth Avenue.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Independence Boulevard looking east through Old Thompson Orphanage Farm past Sugar Creek toward Cecil Street (now Kings Drive.)  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Independence Boulevard as it crossed the Thompson Orphanage Farm.  Much of the Thompson Orphanage Farm is now on the grounds of Central Piedmont Community College's Central Campus.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Independence Boulevard looking north from Morehead Street toward the Caldwell Street connector on the right and the intersection in the center. Stonewall Avenue did not cross through at this time.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Independence Boulevard curving past Caldwell Street and heading toward Morehead Street.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Photograph of the northeast corner of Morehead and Independence Blvd. The restaurant on the corner was formerly the home of Stuart W. Cramer.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
The intersection of East Morehead Street when it crossed Independence Boulevard. The picture captures what buildings could be seen looking northeast. The Stuart W. Cramer's House on the corner.  Image courtesy of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room – Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

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    Sources & Links:

  • The Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room - Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
  • Chris Curley
  • US 74 @ NCRoads.com Annex ---Mike Roberson
  • NC 27 @ NCRoads.com Annex ---Mike Roberson

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    Page Created: October 12, 2006
    Last Updated: October 13, 2006

    © 2006 William Lawson