1907
“The First Firecracker” - Caption indicates Mecklenburg’s claim to be the first to declare independence from the British. The Charlotte News, May 20, 1907
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Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
1906 - State Seal
The state seal with the “May 20, 1775” date appears officially throughout North Carolina. This image is from Volume 3 of the Biographic History of North Carolina by Samuel A. Ashe, published in 1906.
1906 Souvenirs
Pictured here is a 1906 souvenir pin. A souvenir badge is shown in the image gallery below.
1906 - Elks Club carnival
The celebrations in 1906 lasted five days. The Elks Club held a carnival to coincide with the usual traffic of visitors coming to Charlotte for Meck Dec Day.
1900 - Parade
An early Meck Dec parade (circa 1900). This photograph features the first building to house the Presbyterian Hospital. It was located on the second floor of the building. Notice the patients and nurses standing on the balcony. It was located on the corner of Church and Trade Streets across from the Selwyn Hotel.
1898 - Pageants
Pageants were often part of Mecklenburg Declaration celebrations. Mecklenburgers in the 1898 pageant were Misses Hutchinson, Sanders, Oates and Hershinger and represented Union, Mecklenburg, Liberty and Independence.
1898 - Commemorative Obelisk
This commemorative obelisk was erected in 1898 and now stands at 700 E. Trade St. The North face is shown above and others in the Image Gallery below.
1897 - Declaration Facsimile
This souvenir for the 122nd anniversary of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration on May 20, 1897, is most often perceived by people to be an original “Meck Dec.” Printed on dark, thin paper, the top and bottom were often removed to make them more suitable for framing!
1896 - Daily Charlotte Observer - Woman's edition
The Daily Charlotte Observer had this special edition for women on May 20, 1896. “It was the first woman’s edition in North Carolina and thought to be the third or fourth in the entire south.” The Charlotte Observer, 7/7/1934.
1892 - Decorations
This ad for H. Baruch & Bro. shows flags, garlands, wreaths, eagles, shields and other materials available for sale to prepare for the Mecklenburg Declaration celebration in 1892.