Although heavily debated, North Carolinians have
traditionally celebrated ?Mec Deck Day? on May 20. According to legend (and the
North Carolina state flag and state seal), more than 25 prominent citizens of Mecklenburg
County signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775,
preceding the Declaration of Independence by more than a year.
May 20 is also significant date in North Carolina history
because 149 years ago today North Carolina seceded from the Union. The date of
secession is no coincidence, North Carolinians deliberately chose May 20 to
announce their secession as a symbolic nod towards the North Carolinian ?right to revolution.? For more on North
Carolina secession and more information on the Tar Heel state during the Civil
War, visit the North Carolina History Project.
