May 20, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which preceded the signing of the more famous Declaration by more than a year.
Influential Charlotte (then called Charlottetown) men declared themselves “free and independent” of the British crown. The declaration was read on noon of May 20, 1775, from the courthouse steps. Then a second document, the Mecklenburg Resolves, was written.
James Jack, a tavern owner and future Revolutionary War officer, rode by horseback from Charlotte to Philadelphia to deliver copies of the Mecklenburg Declaration and Mecklenburg Resolves to the Second Continental Congress. On the way he stopped in Salisbury to read the documents publicly in district court.
What happened when he got to Philadelphia? Well, not much. The North Carolina delegates were still hoping for a reconciliation with England. And what happened to the original documents? It’s unclear, but it’s said that they were destroyed in an 1800 fire. In 1819 U.S. Senator Nathaniel Macon presented a recreated document to the Raleigh Register.
Thomas Jefferson, who was accused by John Adams of plagiarizing the Mecklenburg documents, asserted that there were no Mecklenburg documents, that the whole thing was a hoax. (Of course he would say that.) Today there’s controversy about what really happened. Read more in Five Facts to Know about Meck Dec Day, from UNC Charlotte.
But, regardless of any controversy, Charlotte celebrates Meck Dec Day every year.
It is the day of the year that you’re most likely to see people in Colonial garb in Uptown Charlotte.
Read on to learn how we will be celebrating Meck Dec Day this year, but first, check this out! The May 20th Society (the organization that has worked tirelessly to keep Meck Dec Day strong) is offering a May 20th Society soccer jersey. It’s even customizable!
Trail of History Festival
In partnership with Mecklenburg County, the Trail of History Festival is a one-day, annual event celebrating the history, growth, & development of Mecklenburg County, featuring local history, art, music, and food.
It will take place on May 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Captain Jack Statue, Elizabeth Park, at 4th Street and King Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Captain James Jack Historical Bike Ride
The annual Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride takes place May 18, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. Riders of all ages and experience are welcome. This is a free event. The ride will leave from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC. The group will take the Rail Trail to Uptown, ride past the Captain Jack statue and then back to OMB.
Moot Court Debate
On May 19, 2025, at the Charles Jonas Federal Court House, 401 W Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, enjoy a Moot Court competition to debate the authenticity of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Time TBD. Four appellate teams of high school students will participate in the debate. N.C. Chief Justice Paul Newby, Hon. Frank Whitney, and other state and federal judges will hear the arguments and award a winner.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.
Meck Dec Day Noon Commemoration
Charlotte will celebrate the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence with a ceremony at Trade and Tryon Streets, also known as Independence Square. It will take place on May 20, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m.
The streets at Trade and Tryon will be closed, a replica of the courthouse where the Meck Dec was read will be displayed, and there will be re-enactors, bands, musket and cannon firing.
The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence will be read, and there will be plenty of local dignitaries on hand. Also, in past years, Homer the Dragon and Sir Minty were in attendance.
Charlotte Museum of History
The Charlotte Museum of History will be hosting a new exhibit, Meck Dec 250: Remembering the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Check back soon for information about the exhibit and associated events.
More about Meck Dec Day
Some websites about the Meck Dec
Some Meck Dec related sites to visit
- Charlotte Liberty Walk has a marker for the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
- The Captain Jack Statue, part of the Trail of History, is on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, at CPCC. You might find our self-guided tour of that section of Little Sugar Creek Greenway helpful.
- The Matheson Bridge Mural, by William Puckett, visually depicts the story of the Meck Dec. You’ll find it under the Matheson Street Bridge, on North Davidson Street. It hasn’t been updated for a while, but you can still sort of see it.
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