NEWS

Tuesday, May 20 marks the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Last week, the Davidson Board proclaimed that the day be observed as “Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Day” in the Town of Davidson. The following is the text of the proclamation. 

A PROCLAMATION
250th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

WHEREAS, on May 19, 1775, Charlotte Town’s founder, Colonel Thomas Polk, called for a convention of the Mecklenburg County militia leaders to be held in Charlotte; those 26 men, upon hearing of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, unanimously adopted resolutions to declare themselves “a free and independent people” in a document that came to be known as the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (“MecDec”), and on May 20, 1775, Colonel Polk read the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to the assembled citizens at the County Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, on May 31, 1775, members of the Mecklenburg Committee of Safety adopted 20 additional resolutions, which came to be known as the Mecklenburg Resolves; and

WHEREAS, a local tavern owner named Captain James Jack was called upon to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and Mecklenburg Resolves to North Carolina’s delegates at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Captain Jack delivered the MecDec, telling the delegates, “Gentlemen, you may debate here about reconciliation and memorialize your king, but bear it in mind, Mecklenburg owes no allegiance to, and is separated from the crown of Great Britain forever!”; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has chosen to recognize the significance of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence by placing the date of its signing, May 20, 1775, upon our State Flag and Great Seal; and

WHEREAS, David Fleming, a resident of the Town of Davidson and an accomplished author, has contributed meaningfully to the preservation and understanding of this legacy through his acclaimed book, Who’s Your Founding Father?, which explores the truth, controversy, and significance surrounding the Meck Deck with wit, insight, and historical rigor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Fleming’s work has helped bring regional history to national attention and continues to inspire pride in our shared heritage;

WHEREAS, May 20, 2025, is the 250th anniversary of the MecDec.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, I, Rusty Knox, Mayor of the Town of Davidson, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim, May 20, 2025 as “MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY” in the Town of Davidson and commend its observance to all citizens. Proclaimed 13th this day of May 2025.

Rusty Knox
Mayor