Mecklenburg Declaration Day
Each year, there are many Revolutionary War celebrations in the United States. They take place in such cities as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Williamsburg, Virginia.
Charlotte, North Carolina, marks its own claim to that time in history. On May 20, the city celebrates Mecklenburg Declaration Day. Mecklenburg is the name of Charlotte's county. On Mecklenburg Declaration Day, the people of Charlotte remember their ancestors' special place in American history.
Mecklenburg Declaration Day celebrates a day in 1775 when some colonists in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, may have been the first colonists to declare independence from England. If it is true, they did so a full year before the Declaration of Independence was signed by all 13 colonies.
A Powerful Protest
It started as a protest by 27 Charlotte men. They had heard about the battles of Lexington and Concord. In these battles, men from Massachusetts fought the British army in the first armed conflict of the American Revolution. This group of Charlotte revolutionaries decided that they, too, had to act as a group.
On May 20, 1775, as the story goes, they wrote a document listing their grievances with England. Eleven days later, they added a set of “resolves.” The resolves described how they would govern themselves. Soon after, it is said, copies of these papers were delivered to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and Resolves and the spirit behind them are celebrated each May 20.
Did It Really Happen?
Did these colonists really write a declaration of independence? Some experts have their doubts. There is no original of the document. So some people don't believe that it was ever written. However, there is a record of the Resolves.
The people of Mecklenburg County have reason to celebrate. Their ancestors may not have written a declaration of independence. But they did “resolve” to govern themselves, an important step in creating a democracy.
What “Meck Dec” Day Means Today
As years have passed, citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County observe the day with music, speeches, and special exhibits at libraries and museums. There is a parade, barbecues held around town, and a fife and drum corps performs. They even have given the day a nickname, “Meck Dec” Day.
Meck Dec Day celebrations have grown. Four U.S. presidents have attended the celebrations. Famous historians have spoken at the most recent Meck Dec Days. People watch movies about the Revolutionary War. The people of Charlotte are proud of their special day because they are proud of their special place in history.