Learn a little bit about Charlotte’s Revolutionary War history at the wreath laying ceremony for Revolutionary War Patriot and tenth North Carolina Governor William R. Davie at William R. Davie Park, 4635 Pineville Matthews Road, on Saturday, March 28th, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. Special guest speakers will be William R. Davie and Captain James Jack, portrayed by local historians Jim Williams and Tony Zeiss. The event is presented by Mecklenburg chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
“Patriot Davie was a military officer in the Revolutionary War, the tenth Governor of North Carolina, and a founding father of the University of North Carolina,” said Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College and member of the Mecklenburg chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. “As British General Charles, Lord Cornwallis, invaded North Carolina in the fall of 1780, Davie and his cavalry slowed their advance until the British Army stopped in Charlotte and retreated back into South Carolina. He was then appointed Commissary for the American forces by General Greene.”
The wreath laying ceremony will feature brief speeches by William R. Davie and Captain “James” Jack, portrayed by local historians Jim Williams and Tony Zeiss. Local, state and national officers from the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as Mecklenburg and Charlotte officials, will be in attendance to deliver remarks from their organizations.
“All children and adults who are interested in the early history of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are urged to attend to learn more about the people and events who shape our city today,” added Zeiss. “The Sons of the American Revolution will be dressed in Period attire to bring authenticity to honor Patriot Davie in the official wreath laying ceremony.”
After the war, Davie was a lawyer in Halifax, NC, a legislator serving as state representative and senator, North Carolina’s tenth Governor and US Ambassador to France. His efforts in founding the State University caused him to be known as the Father of the University of North Carolina.
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