Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Collection

Collection

Identifier: DC085

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The first several folders of this collection contain general information regarding the Declaration and the history behind it. Included are copies of contemporary letters giving mention to events in 1775, biographical information of individual persons, and book excerpts arguing against the authenticity of the document. NOTE: Many folders covering years in the second half of the 20th century also contain information arguing against the authenticity of the document. The remaining folders document the yearly Charlotte celebrations of the signing of the Declaration. They are mostly documented with newspaper clippings, brochures, letters of invitation, programs of the celebrations, and, in some cases, souvenir booklets (these booklets are noted in their respective files, but are housed in DC Case 2).

Dates

Creation: 1822 - 2010

Biographical / Historical

On May 20, 1775, over a year before the famous Declaration of Independence, many believe that the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was passed by its citizens. There are eyewitness accounts of the meeting, but no official records. It is possible the meeting was confused for a confirmed meeting on May 31, 1775, wherein the Mecklenburg Resolves (with no mentioned of independence) were approved. The original declaration itself has been lost, and the accuracy of the existing copies is somewhat suspect. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams debated the existence of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in a series of letters in 1819. Beginning in 1822 Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was elaborately celebrated in Charlotte, NC. Special trains brought in thousands of tourists from around Mecklenburg County to enjoy parades, speakers, and other festivities. On November 15, 1858, Davidson College faculty approved the yearly celebration of May 20th, but beginning in 1875 the students were given permission to attend the larger county celebrations. The date was ratified as a state holiday on March 11, 1881. In 1898 a monument to the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was erected in Charlotte. In 1982, May 20th was removed as an official holiday, and the annual celebrations became considerably smaller. In 2003 that May 20th Society was founded. Consisting of young regional professionals, the Society organized annual celebrations on May 20th, as well as events throughout the year.