Name/Title
Pottstown Neighborhood of HuntersvilleDescription
Pottstown, a historic Black neighborhood named after Ortho Potts, a skilled brick mason and farmer. Post-Civil War, the area became home to free Black people and descendants of enslaved individuals, who established churches and schools despite systemic segregation. Pottstown’s history includes landmarks like the Huntersville Colored School (later Torrence-Lytle High School), a vital institution for Black education in northern Mecklenburg County.
Today, Pottstown faces gentrification, threatening its cultural and historical integrity. Many homes and lands, owned by descendants of the community's founders, are at risk of being sold due to rising property values and development pressures. Local residents and leaders are working to preserve the neighborhood's legacy. A significant victory came in 2022 when Mecklenburg County purchased nearby land to prevent a proposed subdivision, demonstrating a commitment to protecting Pottstown’s history and heritage.
