Mary, The "Great Road" was originally an Indian path probably partially following buffalo trails. It started near Philadelphia and came south through VA and NC. It came through Salisbury NC and on to Charlotte where it forked in several directions, going into SC and GA. US Hwy 29 today follows some of the old road. In Charlotte "The Square" is comprised of the crossing of two roads - Trade and Tryon - Trade being the fork of the "Great Road" that followed another Indian trading path, and Tryon of course named after Governor Tryon. Initially only wide enough for a footpath, "The Great Road" widened with more and more traffic until it could carry horses and then of course wagons. Recommended reading - "The Great Wagon Road" by Rouse. Gaye Frady

Hi Gaye, Thank you for your description of "The Square" in Charlotte! I've never had the pleasure of visiting Charlotte, but you helped me visualize my ancestor's property location. From a 1782 Mecklenburg Co. deed: "certain lott on piece of land lying & being in the Town of Charlotte near the Courthouse being a corner lott fronting Tryon Street six poles & Trade Street 12 poles containing near half an acre of land more or less known by the Lott No. 25." Francie >>>> In Charlotte "The Square" is comprised of the crossing of two roads - Trade and Tryon - Trade being the fork of the "Great Road" that followed another Indian trading path, and Tryon of course named after Governor Tryon. Initially only wide enough for a footpath, "The Great Road" widened with more and more traffic until it could carry horses and then of course wagons. Recommended reading - "The Great Wagon Road" by Rouse. Gaye Frady