Elizabeth in Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Captain Jack: Herald of Liberty / Rebellion of May 1775
— Charlotte Trail of History —
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
1. Captain Jack side of marker
Captain James Jack, a Charlotte Militia Captain and tavern owner, risked his life to ride to Philadelphia in June of 1775 to deliver documents to the Continental Congress that expressed Charlotte's call for liberty.
(captions)
Charlotte artist Chas Fagan created the sculpture and painting Spirit of Mecklenburg depicting 1775 Patriot leader Captain James Jack. Photo: 2006 Painting by Chas Fagan, courtesy of May 20th Society
Photo: Fagan at work, Courtesy of May 20th Society
(right panel)
As the American Revolution began in May 1775, citizens here resolved that "Authority of King or parliament are annulled” - more than a year before the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Local tradition holds that 27 men signed an actual Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775. This date is included on the North Carolina state flag.
"WHEREAS ... the American Colonies are declared to be in a state of actual Rebellion, we conceive that all Laws and Commissions confirmed by, or derived from the Authority of the King or Parliament, are annulled."
Mecklenburg Resolves, May 31, 1775
Published in the North Carolina Gazette, June 16, 1775
(caption) "A festive day" in Charlotte , N.C. Tryon
this page online
Erected by Charlotte Trail of History / May 20th Society. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1775.
Location. 35° 13.015′ N, 80° 49.959′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Elizabeth. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Kings Drive and East Fourth Street (North Carolina Route 16), on the right when traveling south. Marker and Captain Jack statue are on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N Kings Dr, Charlotte NC 28204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Loonis McGlohon (within shouting distance of this marker); Mecklenburg County Vietnam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Annie Alexander (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); They Came From Mecklenburg… / Dedicated To Those Who Serve (about 300 feet away); Ben Nash (about 400 feet away); Thompson Orphanage (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Thompson Orphanage
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
2. Rebellion of 1775 side of marker
More about this marker. Parking for the greenway is on East 4th Street just west of North Kings Drive. Marker is behind the statue at the intersection.
Also see . . . Captain James Jack. Charlotte Trail of History description of Captain Jack's rider to Philadelphia, and his service during the Revolutionary War.
Captain James Jack, a young tavern owner, volunteered to take these powerful documents on the arduous journey to the Continental Congress. Knowing full well that if caught he would be immediately hanged, he risked his livelihood, property, family, and very life to transport these important documents. Slipping past British regulars and spying Tories, Jack arrived in Philadelphia, demanding Mecklenburg County’s declaration of freedom be read into the record.(Submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
3. Captain Jack / Rebellion of 1775 Marker
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
4. Captain Jack's Ride statue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 33 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
