A conversation about the history behind Charlotte's neighborhoods and the lessons they offer today
Charlotte is often criticized for not having much history. Old buildings have given way to new development, neighborhoods have transformed and many longtime landmarks have disappeared from the skyline.
But according to local history writer John Short, Charlotte hasn't lost its history. From Eastover's origins as the city's first automobile suburb to the remarkable story of Grier Heights, one of Charlotte's oldest Black communities, the city's neighborhoods reveal how transportation, housing, race and economic growth have shaped the Charlotte we know today.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Managing Editor Ashley Fahey talks with Short, the author of The Ledger's new "Love Thy Neighborhood" series, about why neighborhood history matters, the surprising stories hiding around Charlotte and how understanding where the city has been can help residents make better decisions about where it's headed.
This episode was recorded live at The Sharon at SouthPark on July 13, 2026.
Ashley Fahey sits down with John Short at The Sharon at SouthPark to talk about his “Love Thy Neighborhood” series, published in The Ledger once every other month. (Photo: Ava Mikeal/The Charlotte Ledger)
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.
What is The Charlotte Ledger Podcast?
We talk with Charlotte leaders about important and interesting issues, to make you smarter, tell you things you don’t know and introduce you to people with insights about trends in Charlotte.