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.
May 20th, 1861, was chosen as the date for the state of North Carolina to secede from the Union. North Carolinians met at a convention on May 20, 1861, to declare themselves free from the United States government. They adopted this state flag on June 22, 1861, indicating a declaration of independence from the United States government on the 86th anniversary of Mecklenburg's supposed declaration of independence from the British government.
20th May, 1859. – The HORNETS NEST RIFLEMEN having made arrangements for celebrating the 84th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, propose for the occasion the following PROGRAMME:
ORDER OF THE DAY:
At Sunrise, a Federal Salute of 12 Guns will be fired, and the National Flag displayed, at the PUBLIC SQUARE.
At 9 ¼ o’clock, the Visiting Military Companies will be received at the DEPOT.
The Western Democrat of May 26, 1857, reported on the festivities surrounding the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. As part of that report, it reprinted a detailed and passionate defense of Mecklenburg's Declaration of Independence offered by orator Francis Lister Hawks.
On May 16, 1843, the Mecklenburg Jeffersonian published this poem, apparently a revision of the 1842 poem on the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, although this one signed.
On May 18, 1841, the Mecklenburg Jeffersonian urged readers to donate towards the construction of a monument to the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.