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Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence - The Document

The Meck. Dec. Document

According to legend, the original Mecklenburg Declaration of Independencewas signed by more than twenty-five prominent citizens of Mecklenburg County on May 20, 1775.

There is no original copy of this document because it is alleged to have been burned in a fire shortly after its signing. However, others believe the loss in a fire was a misinterpretation of an historical event when John McKnitt Alexander's home burned.

Date of Event:

Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Marker

This bronze marker is located at the Square to commemorate two significant events in Mecklenburg County's history. The inscription reads, `Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 20, 1775 and the Battle of Charlotte September 16, 1780. Physical Description: 8x10 glossy4x5 negatives - 2 copies Publisher: Unknown

Mecklenburg Declaration Day

North Tryon Street was decorated with flags and banners in honor of Mecklenburg Declaration Day which was celebrated on May 20-22, 1902.  This photograph was labeled as man No. 905, published by the International Post Card Company in New York. The card stock was made in Germany.

Physical Description: color postcard

Publisher: International Post Card Company

CP_2015_04_560

Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

MAY 20, 1775

  1. That whosoever directly or indirectly abetted or in any way, form or manner countenanced to unchartered & dangerous invasion of our rights as claimed by G. Britain is an enemy to this County - to America & to the inherent & inaliable rights of man.

James Jack

James Jack (1731-1822) moved with his parents from Pennsylvania to North Carolina in the 1760s, fleeing the dangers of the French and Indian war. His father, Patrick Jack, ran a tavern on West Trade Street.

John Foard

John Foard (? - circa 1795) was one of the original signers of the Meckenburg Declaration of Independence. His ancestry is probably Scottish, and his name was spelled that way, rather than the English version of Ford. Family tradition has it that his mother sent him to America, along with one or two brothers, to avoid military service in the English army.