Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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History Timeline

1814 - Treaty of Ghent

December 24, 1814 - The U.S. and Great Britain sign a treaty at Ghent, Belgium that will end the War of 1812. But before word of the treaty that is signed across the Atlantic Ocean reaches America, the British will attack again. One more major battle will erupt, this time on Southern soil.

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1808 - End of the Slave Trade

The United States will no longer allow slaves to be brought here, or imported, from foreign countries. But this ruling does not affect slaves who are already here. It will take a war to win their freedom.

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1781 - Jackson Tragedy

<p>April 9, 1781 - The British are chasing him, but wily Andy Jackson escapes. His cousin, Thomas Crawford, is not as lucky. On the way to warn Crawford&#39;s family, Jackson too is captured. So is his brother, Robert. Soldiers force the boys to march to a South Carolina prison. Their mother, Elizabeth Jackson, rides to Camden and demands their release. She succeeds. But both boys have fallen ill with smallpox, and Robert dies just two days after returning home.</p>

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1800 - Prison Welfare

Lawbreakers imprisoned in sheriff James Neal's jail are well-fed while incarcerated. Each day they receive one pound of wholesome bread, one pound of good roasted or boiled meat and all water needed.

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1778 - War in the South

December 29, 1778 - After three years of fighting, the British still cannot defeat the Americans in the northern states. They have pushed south to attack, and capture Savannah, Georgia. Soldiers battle their way through South Carolina and will soon make their way to North Carolina.

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1786 - How to Govern

America's leaders still disagree when discussing how to formulate the young country's government. Now free from Britain's tyranny, there is no king who rules America. Who should be in charge? How can we defend ourselves against invasion by another country? Who will protect each of the 13 states? How much power will the government have? The Articles of Confederation does not provide for these concerns.

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1815 - Last Battle

January 1, 1815 - Andrew Jackson, born at Waxhaw on the North-South Carolina state line, now commands the American troops defending New Orleans, Louisiana from the British. From fortifications, strategic places built up to strengthen the city, Jackson repels the intruders. But the British will not be dismayed. They will return one week later. 

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1780 - Cornwallis in Charlotte

September 26, 1780 British commander Lord Charles Cornwallis and his Legion march into Charlotte expecting to be greeted by loyal followers of the Crown. Instead, he is met by Major William Davie and a band of 150 soldiers who are hiding around the courthouse on East Trade Street. Although the “Battle at Mecklenburg Courthouse” ends quickly as the rebels disperse, it sets the stage for Cornwallis’ short and disappointing stay in Mecklenburg County.(Pancake, John S. This Destructive War: The British Campaign in the Carolinas, 1780-1782, p.116.)

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1787 - Senator Andrew Jackson

November 6, 1787 - Twenty-year-old Andrew Jackson earns a license to practice law. Not only will he go on to become a judge, senator and war hero, the Carolina native will become the seventh president of the U.S. Jackson's home community of Waxhaw straddles the border of North and South Carolina. Both states will claim this independent thinker as their own.

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1787 - New Republic

September 17, 1787 - Finally, there is a Constitution of the United States of America. It determined how the country will make laws, elect representatives, and defend against its enemies in times of war. The men who drafted the Constitution wisely provided a way to make future changes, called amendments. But more work lies ahead. Only when 2/3 of the states approve, or ratify, the Constitution will it become law. Will nine states ratify it?

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