Hornets' Nest

Epilogue

THROUGH the cabin window he watched the car coming up the lane. Then he went outside. 'Light, and come in, John, he said, as the car slowed to a stop on the leaf-dappled parking circle. Welcome to north Mecklenburg's woods.

You've got a wonderful place here, his visitor said, climbing out to shake hands. That drive up here through the woods, and now this house- John paused, looking around, intrigued. This is just the sort of writer's retreat you read about in novels, eh? But say, where's the water? I thought you were going to build on the lake.

Calendar of Historic Dates: Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

Since the material in this history is treated topically, the following chronological list of events and movements which have taken place locally may be helpful to the reader.

1750       Trade routes from Charlotte to Charleston established over Indian Trails.

1762       December 11. Mecklenburg created by Act of the Legislature, from Anson County (effective February 1, 1763).

1766       First log courthouse built in Charlotte.

Some of the Principal Historical Markers, Monuments and Tablets of Charlotte and Mecklenburg

Alexander, Hezekiah, Homeplace. Also known as Rock House. Signer of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. On grounds of the Methodist Home.

*Battle of Charlotte. Commemorative drinking fountain and marble benches. Located at fork of Elizabeth Avenue and East Trade Street.

Benjamin, Judah. Location of spot where this high Confederate Government official was entertained at Charlotte indicated by granite slab, east side of 200 block, South Tryon Street.

*Confederate Cabinet. Location of last meeting place marked by bronze tablet at 122 South Tryon Street.

Colonel Thomas Leroy Kirkpatrick and President Wilson

Among Charlotte lawyers of the 20th century, none will be remembered more vividly than Colonel Thomas LeRoy Kirkpatrick, good roads enthusiast, mayor, public servant extraordinary, and orator. It was he who spoke three times as long in introducing President Wilson as the President, himself, spoke when visiting Charlotte for the May 20th celebration in 1916. Of this event Mrs. Edith Bolling Wilson, widow of the President, has this to say in her book My Memoir(1938).

Home Life and Recreation

THE first Mecklenburgers, according to historian D. A. Tompkins, were producers. They believed than any work, so it was faithfully and honestly done, was worth doing, and that manhood was more than wealth. Mecklenburg could have existed comfortably cut off from the rest of the world. That makes a people feel independent . . .

Charlotte Manufactured Rifles

The Washington Post of June 16, 1901, carries an article by William Hugh Robarts entitled "Our National Weapon-Rise and Development of the American Rifle" which reads:

"The rifle became so popular in the South that a factory for making the hunting rifle was established at Charlotte, N. C., about 1740. The founders came from Leman's Rifle Factory at Lancaster, Pa., which is in existence to this day. The arm turned out there was unquestionably the best, because the most carefully constructed, rifle then made in America.

Charlotte in Time of War

THE battle of Charlotte is given scant attention in general histories of the Revolution, but the battle marked the turning point in the fortunes of the British. Never thereafter did the enemy wage a very successful offensive. Unlike the Mecklenburg declaration of independence, about which some have had doubts, no serious question has arisen about Charlotte's part in the Revolution.

Pageants in Charlotte

During the first half of the 20th Century three elaborate pageants were staged to portray early historic events occurring in Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

Pageant of Charlotte and Old Mecklenburg

Mecklenburg Towns and Villages

AMONG the provision of the Mecklenburg Resolves of May 31, 1775 it was stipulated that the inhabitants form themselves into nine companies and "chuse" two freeholders from each who would act as selectmen to govern the county. With some unimportant changes, this form of government existed until the Civil War. Following the war, the county was divided into fifteen townships. Later, five towns were incorporated and many villages and communities established.

Davidson

14. ...And Artists

AMERICA was plunged into World War II with the assault of the Japanese upon Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and once again Charlotte was selected as the site of war facilities.

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