Community Corner

Charlotte streets will soon have fewer historical ties to the Confederacy. Which ones?

Street names tied to slave owners, segregationists and the Confederacy are changing to honor African American soldiers.

Charlotte is working on renaming street names to remove Confederacy era names.
Charlotte is working on renaming street names to remove Confederacy era names. (Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte unveiled the new Montford Point Street signs, marking the second street renaming to take place as part of the city’s Legacy Commission work aimed at renaming streets which currently honor Confederate soldiers, slave owners and segregationists.

Montford Point Street replaces Phifer Avenue and is the second of nine streets to be renamed following the Charlotte City Council’s February 2021 approval to adopt the commission's recommendations.

Renaming the streets honors the legacy of the first African Americans that enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. Charlotte citizens were among the early Black recruits who trained at Camp Montford Point near Jacksonville, North Carolina, and contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“The ultimate goal of the Legacy Commission has always been about creating a sense of pride and respect for those who live, work and travel on these identified roadways,” said Mayor Vi Lyles. “To now bear the name of the heroes of Montford Point, who trained and fought for our freedom, certainly does fulfill our high standard of success.”

Next, name voting for Aycock Lane, Jackson Avenue and Zebulon Avenue will end Nov. 1. The new street names will be effective on Jan. 21, 2022.

Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Community engagement for Hill Street and Morrison Boulevard began on Oct. 26. Residents and property owners who live on any of the nine streets that will be renamed may locate resources by visiting charlottenc.gov/legacy, calling 311 or emailing legacy@charlottenc.gov for assistance.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.