The Mecklenburg Declaration

Paper Summary:

The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Specifically, the paper contains an analytical essay about the Declaration, fact or fiction, and discusses the historiographical debate attached to it. The paper examines how the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence predates the U.S. Declaration by over a year, if it is historically correct. The paper explores how most historians debunk the document as a hoax and a phony, but there are many who refuse to believe the document is not real. The paper discusses this debate that has lasted for over 200 years.

From the Paper:

"In addition, King George had declared the colonies would not enjoy the protection of Great Britain if they needed it, and so, many colonists were more than willing to declare their independence. The Continental Congress was already meeting in Philadelphia, but they would not draft their own declaration until July 4, 1776. During the Mecklenburg meeting, three men, Dr. Ephraim Brevard, Mr. Kennon, and the Reverend Balch formed a committee to draw up resolutions. Dr. Brevard had drawn up some preliminary resolutions at a previous meeting, and read these to the assembly. These resolutions, with revisions, would become the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, according to historian William Henry Foote. It is not difficult to believe these resilient people would find the constraints of British rule too confining. It is not difficult to believe they would declare their independence from Great Britain when British rule became intolerable."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Author not Available. "Celebrating the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence." Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, 2004.
• http://www.cmstory.org/meckdec/main.htm (accessed 13 March 2006).
• Blythe, LeGette and Charles Brockman. Hornets' Nest: The Story of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, 1961. http://www.cmstory.org/history/hornets/content.htm (accessed 13 March 2006).
• Foote, William Henry. "Chapter One." Sketches of North Carolina. 1846, pg. 33-45.
• King, Victor C. Lives and Times of the 27 Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775. Charlotte, NC, 1956.

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