Charlotte center city in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
— Charlotte Liberty Walk —
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
1. Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Marker
On May 20, 1775, in a log courthouse near this spot, twenty seven patriot militia leaders debated and unanimously approved resolutions declaring themselves "free and independent” from Great Britain. known as the "Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence” it was the first Declaration of Independence in the American colonies. It is believed to have read in part:
"We the citizens of Mecklenburg County do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the mother country and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British crown."
President John Adams later wrote of the Mecklenburg Declaration, “The genuine sense of America at that moment was never so well expressed before, nor since."
On May 31, 1775, a new code of government for the county - known as the Mecklenburg Resolves was put into effect.
It declared in part that, “All laws and commissions confirmed by, or derived from the authority of the King or Parliament, are annulled and vacated, and the former civil constitution of these colonies for the present wholly suspended."
"The Resolves of the Committee of Mecklenburg,” North Carolina Royal Governor Josiah Martin wrote in June 1775, “Surpass all the horrid and treasonable publications that the inflammatory spirits of this continent have
this page online
A local tavern owner, captain James Jack, delivered the Mecklenburg papers to the Continental Congress sometime in the summer of 1775, but North Carolina's congressional delegates deemed them "premature."
For this reason, the plaza around Trade & Tryon Streets has long been known as "Independence Square.” the date May 20, 1775 is on the North Carolina state flag and state seal to commemorate the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
(caption) Col. Polk reading the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence May 20, 1775
Erected 2012 by Mecklenburg Historical Society • The May 20th Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1775.
Location. 35° 13.622′ N, 80° 50.595′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte center city. Marker is at the intersection of South Tryon Street and East Trade Street, on the left when traveling south on South Tryon Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlotte NC 28280, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (here, next to this marker); Thomas Polk Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Independence Square
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
2. Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Marker
Also see . . . Charlotte Liberty Walk.
At Charlotte Liberty Walk, we are passionate about sharing the rich history and culture of Charlotte with visitors from near and far. Our self-guided walking tour through Uptown Charlotte is designed to provide an immersive experience that brings the city's past to life.(Submitted on June 19, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 107 times this year. Last updated on June 19, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
