May 16. The 250th Anniversary of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence will be observed May 17, starting at 10 am with a parade from Tanner’s Creek in Huntersville to Hopewell on Beaties Ford Road.

Mecklenburg County patriots declared their independence from King George in Great Britain more than a year ahead of the rest of the Colonies.

On May 19, 1775, a meeting was held in the courthouse in the middle of the village of Charlotte, at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, which resulted in the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775.

Although there are no contemporaneous copies of thedeclaration, that spot in Charlotte is called Independence Square to this day. Col. Thomas Polk read it from the courthouse steps. There are subsequent documents (pictured) and the date is printed on the North Carolina state flag and seal. Go deeper, here.

Celebrate

Saturday is full of activities centered around Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road.

The event is free to attend but if you would like to purchase a BBQ Lunch from Mac’s, they are $18 each.

Schedule

10am — Parade from Tanner’s Creek to Hopewell (1 mile)
11am — Program & Meck Dec reading (lawn chairs advised)
12:15pm — Lunch at Family Life Center (pre-order BBQ or bring your own meal)
12:45pm — Program: Lake Norman Sings & MeckDec Story
1pm — Games, living history, local groups, treat trucks & souvenirs
3pm — Event Ends

To order BBQ click here.