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1841 - Discussion of a Monument


On May 18, 1841, the Mecklenburg Jeffersonian urged readers to donate towards the construction of a monument to the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.


The Monument.

In a few remarks, noticing an article from the Camden Journal, two weeks since, we mentioned that the erection of a suitable monument commemorative of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, had been spoken of by some of our citizens and briefly urged its importance. Adverting to the project, the Editor of the Journal remarks: “There are none, even of the citizens of Charlotte, who rejoice more sincerely in its improvement than we do, and especially should we rejoice in seeing the latter suggestion of the Jeffersonian carried out in a manner worthy of North Carolinians. The Declaration of Independence by the citizens of Mecklenburg, on the 20th May, 1775, was, indeed, “one of the most patriotic, gallant and daring acts to be found in the history of the world.” The act itself and the actors in this trying emergency, bespeak of it and for them, some visible and striking momento of their patriotic devotion.

“We do trust that the project will be successful carried out, and we feel assured that there is scarcely a native North Carolinian, who will not cheerfully contribute his mite in aid of so noble an enterprize. The editor of the Jeffersonian may “count certainly on the hearty co-operation” of our humble self, “in counsel,” as far as it is worth any thing; but we should not sleep soundly if we did not co-operate in its patriotic effort in a more substantial manner. We have not forgotten our native State, nor have we forgotten that in Mecklenburg we spent some of the happiest of our young days. Success, immediate success to the enterprize.”

We again appeal to the patriotism-the pride and public spirit of our citizens, and ask, will they not move in this matter? It becomes the citizens of old Mecklenburg to “set the ball in motion;” and will they not do so immediately?