1873

Three articles from the year 1873 testify to the muted celebrations of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence during the Reconstruction years.

The Southern Home 5/26/1873, p. 3

20TH MAY IN CHARLOTTE

This day which ought to be so dear to all North Carolinas, was only observed by the Fire Companies, the "Independents," and the Hornets." They made a handsome display on the streets and then repaired to the Hall of the Independents, where a banquet had been prepared.

The Southern Home , 5/19/1873, p. 3

State Pride.—Gen. Ransom was called upon to preside over the Senate of the United States, and no North Carolina paper noticed the fact, but when Gen. Gordon was called upon to do the same thing, all remarked upon it.  North Carolina shed more blood in the Confederate struggle than any other Southern State; but so little has been said by her own people of the gallantry of her soldiers that many actually believe them to have been recreant to their duty.  North Carolina took the lead in the first great rebellion and her citizens were the first to declare themselves independent of Great Britain.  President Jefferson denied this and this great historic fact has been discredited even in our own State.  The Southern Home published recently some papers, which had never before seen the light, which established beyond all doubt and cavil, the truth of the Mecklenburg Declaration.  We believe the Sentinel and News of Raleigh, the Patriot of Greensboro, and the Asheville Expositor have been the only papers in the State, which have made the slightest allusion to this vindication of the truth of history.  It is no wonder that North Carolina is so little esteemed abroad, when there is no pride at home in her heroism, her history and her achievements.

Daily Charlotte Observer,  5/20/1873, p. 3

Suspension.—To-morrow being the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, in accordance with the usual custom, the employes of this office will be given holiday.  Printers are a hard worked class and like other mortals need a day’s rest occasionally.  We feel sure that our patrons will not object to their ceasing work on this day which is celebrated as the anniversary of that on which our ancestors first declared their independence of the mother country, and made the first move toward throwing off the British yoke.

The paper will be issued again on Thursday morning as usual.