Called "the most entertaining one-stop, two-hour history lesson in the Piedmont" by Creative Loafing, the Charlotte Museum of History tells stories of the varied and diverse people who have shaped one of the South's most interesting and dynamic cities. In the 36,000 sq. ft. museum, four galleries lead visitors from early settlers and 18th century freedom fighters to gold mines, slavery, the Civil War, and the rise of textiles, transportation, and commerce. Visitors can literally walk back in time while exploring the eight acre site, which includes the oldest structure in Mecklenburg County, the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander House, as well as the American Freedom Bell, the Backcountry Patriot statue, and historic Native American and Colonial gardens.