Columbus in Polk County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

1781 - NC Hornet's Nest Flag

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

1. 1781 - NC Hornet's Nest Flag Marker

Inscription. After being driven out by fierce opposition of Charlotte & Mecklenburg, North Carolina citizens to British occupation in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War British General Cornwallis wrote that "Charlotte Town was a hornet's nest of rebellion." The date "May 20, 1775" reflects the date that the citizens of Mecklenburg declared independence from Britain. North Carolina's first (unofficial) flag.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.

Location. 35° 15.104′ N, 82° 11.848′ W. Marker is in Columbus, North Carolina, in Polk County. It is on Gibson Street north of Ward Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is a part of the display of historic flags at Veterans Park. They are in a planter at the west side of the park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Gibson St, Columbus NC 28722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains.

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It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1781 - Battle of Cowpens Flag (here, next to this marker); 1781 - Guilford Courthouse Flag (here, next to this marker); 1777 - Hopkinson Flag (here, next to this marker); 1776 - Betsy Ross Flag (here, next to this marker); The Charters of Freedom (here, next to this marker); Polk County Civil War Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Brave Devoted Patriots (here, next to this marker); 1775 - Flag of New England (a.k.a. Bunker Hill Flag) (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Full view of the south side of the historic flags markers. Hornet's Nest Flag indicated by the arrow image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 7, 2025

2. Full view of the south side of the historic flags markers. Hornet's Nest Flag indicated by the arrow

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.