There’s no proof that the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence ever existed, but that doesn’t stop Charlotteans from celebrating the supposed anniversary of its drafting. Each year on May 20, Tryon Street hosts speakers and reenactments, including the firing of a cannon and muskets. But nothing beats the reenactment at the bicentennial celebration in 1975, when local equestrian Jerry Linker departed on an Arabian bay stallion named Sharek and rode the 600 miles to Philadelphia in colonial garb. Linker made the journey in honor of the ride that local colonial tavern owner Captain James Jack took to deliver the document — known affectionately as the Meck Dec — to the Continental Congress.

If the document was real, it was the first declaration of independence written by any colony. The story goes that in May 1775, 26 locals met in the town’s log courthouse. They were furious over the battles of Lexington and Concord, and they refused to sit idly by. The men drafted and signed the document declaring themselves “a free and independent people.” Unfortunately, when Captain Jack delivered the Meck Dec to our representatives in Philadelphia, they were not convinced that independence was necessary, and they dismissed it — but its contents may have influenced the language of the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Sadly, a fire in April 1800 destroyed the papers.

But the story doesn’t end there. Nineteen years later, John McKnitt Alexander, one of the signers, re-created the declaration from memory, and the Raleigh Register published it. Although its authenticity has been questioned, generals, politicians, clergymen, and historians gave sworn testimony that they had been present for its creation. And really, why would all of these prominent citizens have lied?

Today, our state flag and seal sport the date “May 20th 1775.” We may not have proof, but here in North Carolina, we believe.