Comparing North Carolina's accomplishments to those of prestigious neighbors Virginia and South Carolina, she said in 1900, "Where there are mountains of conceit, there are bound to be valleys of humility." Her famous quote, which she spoke as the first woman ever to address the Mecklenburg Historical Society, has been repeated often. Widely known for her outspoken opinions, this Charlotte native wrote frequently about current and historical events for local and regional newspapers.

Mrs. Van Landingham (1852-1937) was an officer in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as a member of the North Carolina Society of Colonial Dames. Through her work, she helped raise funds for St. Peter's Hospital, and publicized the importance of historical places and people. Descended from Colonial-era settlers, she was married to hardware merchant John Van Landingham. They had four children.

Cultural leader and author Mary Oates Spratt Van Landingham is buried in Charlotte's Elmwood Cemetery.