Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Overview

The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a document surrounded by mystery, was reportedly created in 1775 by citizens in Charlotte, North Carolina, declaring independence from British rule. Although the original document is lost, accounts from 1819 suggest its existence. Some historians debate its authenticity, confusing it with the Mecklenburg Resolves, a separate document. Captain James Jack is said to have delivered the declaration to the Continental Congress. Despite debates, the declaration holds symbolic value for North Carolinians, representing early revolutionary spirit and courage.

What was the main purpose of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence?

• To propose a new tax system

• To request military assistance from France

• To establish a new trade agreement with Britain

• To declare Mecklenburg County's independence from British rule

Which year did the Mecklenburg Declaration allegedly precede the Continental Congress's Declaration of Independence?

• 1776

• 1775

• 1777

• 1774

Why is the original Mecklenburg Declaration considered lost?

• It was misplaced during a move

• It was destroyed in a fire

• It was stolen by British spies

• It was never written down

What is the main reason some historians question the authenticity of the Mecklenburg Declaration?

• It was found in a different country

• It was written in a different language

• It was never officially signed

• It is often confused with the Mecklenburg Resolves

What is the main difference between the Mecklenburg Declaration and the Mecklenburg Resolves?

• The Declaration called for full independence, while the Resolves did not

• The Resolves were written in 1776, while the Declaration was in 1775

• The Declaration was a trade agreement, while the Resolves were a military pact

• The Resolves were a response to a natural disaster, while the Declaration was not

What did the Mecklenburg Resolves establish for Mecklenburg County?

• A new trade route

• A provisional government

• A peace treaty with Britain

• A military alliance

Who is believed to have delivered the Mecklenburg Declaration to the Continental Congress?

• Captain James Jack

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

What is one theory about the influence of the Mecklenburg Declaration on the Declaration of Independence?

• It provided the exact wording for the Declaration of Independence

• It influenced the language used by Jefferson

• It inspired the idea of a federal government

• It was used as a template for the Bill of Rights

What is the significance of May 20th in Charlotte, North Carolina?

• It marks the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration

• It is the day the British surrendered

• It is the founding day of Charlotte

• It is the day the Continental Congress was formed

What is the symbolic value of the Mecklenburg Declaration for North Carolinians?

• It represents the first trade agreement with Britain

• It symbolizes the spirit of early revolutionaries

• It is a reminder of the first American president

• It marks the beginning of the Civil War