Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
On May 20, 1775, in a log courthouse near this spot, twenty seven patriot militia leaders debated and unanimously approved resolutions declaring themselves "free and independent” from Great Britain. known as the "Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence” it was the first Declaration of Independence in the American colonies. It is believed to have read in part:
"We the citizens of Mecklenburg County do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the mother country and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British crown."President John Adams later wrote of the Mecklenburg Declaration, “The genuine sense of America at that moment was never so well expressed before, nor since."
On May 31, 1775, a new code of government for the county - known as the Mecklenburg Resolves was put into effect.
It declared in part that, “All laws and commissions confirmed by, or derived from the authority of the King or Parliament, are annulled and vacated, and the former civil constitution of these colonies for the present wholly suspended."
"The Resolves of the Committee of Mecklenburg,” North Carolina Royal Governor Josiah Martin wrote in June 1775, “Surpass all the horrid and treasonable publications that the inflammatory spirits of this continent have yet produced."
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For this reason, the plaza around Trade & Tryon Streets has long been known as "Independence Square.” the date May 20, 1775 is on the North Carolina state flag and state seal to commemorate the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
Erected 2012 by The May 20th Society • Mecklenburg Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1775.
Location. 35° 13.622′ N, 80° 50.595′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte center city. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Tryon Street and East Trade Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlotte NC 28280, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (here, next to this marker); Thomas Polk Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Independence Square (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sculptures at Independence Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Settlers
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
