Honoring the Mecklenburg Declaration’s 250th Anniversary
By: Jason Simmons, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party
On May 20th, 1775, in the heart of Mecklenburg County, a group of citizens took a daring stand against British rule. Nearly a full year before the signing of the Declaration Of Independence in Philadelphia, these North Carolinians declared themselves “free and independent people,” dissolving all political ties with the British Crown. It was a short but powerful statement, and a daring stand for liberty in the face of an empire.
Though the original document was reportedly lost in a fire in 1800, its words continued to live on. In 1819, John McKnitt Alexander reconstructed the declaration from memory, and it was published in the Raleigh Register. While questions about the document’s authenticity arose, especially starting in 1829 when scholars began debating its origins, the sentiment behind it remains a defining part of our state’s history. Regardless of the controversy, the declaration’s legacy endures. The date of May 20th, 1775, remains proudly displayed on the state flag, serving as a lasting symbol of North Carolina’s early leadership, bold defiance, and unwavering commitment to liberty.
Yet the impact of that moment doesn’t depend entirely on the declaration’s authenticity, it’s also reflected in the events that followed. Even for those who remain skeptical of the Mecklenburg Declaration itself the Mecklenburg Resolves, passed only days later, leave no room for doubt. The document, which was approved by local leaders, laid out how North Carolina would govern itself in the absence of British rule. It called on American colonies to establish independent governments and made clear that Mecklenburg County was ready to lead. While others hesitated, North Carolina was already preparing for independence.
This moment in our state’s history is a testament to the values that built this country: self-governance, individual liberty, and the courage to challenge tyranny.
The people of Mecklenburg County didn’t wait for approval or agreement, they acted with principle and conviction. That same spirit still runs deep in the people of North Carolina today.
We see that spirit in those who reject federal overreach, who stand up for our constitutional freedoms, and who believe the government should serve the people, not the other way around. We see it in the conservative movement that has taken root across our state, led by leaders who believe in the founding ideals of our nation and are working to restore them.
President Trump’s bold leadership reflects the very same commitment to independence and self-determination. Like the patriots of 1775, he has stood against inflated government, fought to put Americans first, and defended the principles that make our country strong. His movement is about more than policy, it’s a preservation of freedom that began right here in North Carolina.
On this 250th anniversary, we honor the brave citizens of Mecklenburg County by continuing their work and honoring their legacy. Just as they led, North Carolina must lead again. Let us commit ourselves to defending liberty, and to building a future that would make those early patriots proud.