Public Service:
McDowell served as Charlotte's Mayor from 1887 through 1891.

Personal:
McDowell was a graduate of Davidson College.  He was an attorney and former editor of The Charlotte Observer.  McDowell partnered with Edward Dilworth Latta in the development of the Dilworth section of Charlotte.

During his Administration:

• The Charlotte News began publishing as an afternoon daily.
• The city voted for a $50,000 Bond Issue for five miles of streets.
• A new City Hall was erected on the northeast corner of North Tryon and West 5th streets.
• The first professional Fire Department was created In 1887 with four firefighters hired for $25 a month.
• Good Samaritan Hospital opened in 1888.  It was the first hospital in the country for black patients.