Historic Rosedale Plantation, Charlotte (must see)

The Historic Rosedale Plantation was built by Archibald Frew nearly 200 years ago. The historic property was once a 911 acre plantation. Today it occupies 8.9 acres of gardens and green space.

The gardens are primarily comprised of native plants, but the Big Tree Museum on the grounds includes trees from all around the world. Visitors will find red mulberry, green ash, Chinese parasol and swamp chestnut oak thriving together.

The home itself was stately and majestic for its time. The three story house included molding that was carved piece by piece and lower-cost features that were painted and chiseled to look like expensive mahogany and marble.

There are no records regarding the construction of Rosedale. However, it is likely that it was built by slaves. Archibald Frew, like many merchants of the time and location, was a slave owner and relied on slave labor for the grounds to thrive. Today, guided tours are led by docents who share stories from the slaves' perspectives.

Rosedale is located about three miles northeast of the center of Charlotte.