Celebrating the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

A look at the history of a most controversial document

This exhibit presents an historical account of events celebrating the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. While the facts regarding this most debated document are also presented, no attempt is made to solve the question of its existence. Such judgment is reserved for you, the esteemed patron. Please read on and cast your vote – is it history or hoax?

To learn more, follow the links below to the different sections of this exhibit:

All About the Declaration - this section contains information on

• the historical background of Mecklenburg during the American Revolutionary era
• the text of the Declaration 
• the lives of its supposed signers and
• two special collections: photographs of parades, distinguished guests and souvenirs from celebrations of the 20th of May (Mecklenburg Declaration Day) and a list of  links to historical documents referred to in this exhibit.

Celebration Timeline - An account of two hundred years' observance of a local holiday.

History or Hoax? -  Your chance to weigh in on the authenticity of the "Meck Dec."

Listen to The Mecklenburg March  

• composed by Janie Alexander Patterson for President Taft's visit to Charlotte in 1909.
• Performed by Paul DeVillo in 2009.