May 13. Huntersville Mayor Christy Clark will read the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on the steps of historic Hopewell Presbyterian Church on May 19 in honor of Mecklenburg Independence Day.

Local history says the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was the first declaration of independence made in the Thirteen Colonies. It was said to be signed on May 20, 1775, in Charlotte by local citizens who declared independence from Great  Britain—more than a year before the US Declaration of Independence. James Jack, a tavern owner and future Revolutionary War officer, rode by horseback from Charlotte to Philadelphia to deliver copies of the Mecklenburg Declaration and Mecklenburg Resolves to the Second Continental Congress. On the way he stopped in Salisbury to read the documents publicly in district court. Sadly, no original documents exist.

Christy Clark

Activities

Following the reading by Mayor Clark, hear what people of the time thought of separation from royal rule. Enjoy BBQ, but order order by today on the www.meckdec.org website).

Local author Landis Wade will discuss his adventures around the MeckDec as he wrote his novel “Deadly Declarations.” If you have a copy of his book, bring it and he will sign it for you.

Full Adult Meals $16: Eastern style barbecue plate or chicken tender dinner + drink

Seniors or children $10: Eastern style barbecue plate or grilled cheese sandwich with one side + drink.

When RSVP’ing or purchasing tickets through the meckdec.org site: If you want lunch, purchase tickets and select your lunch choice. If you plan to attend without purchasing lunch, use the “RSVP” option only.