Latta House
6 mi. S of Huntersville on SR 2125, Huntersville, NC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.
In 1762, Mecklenburg County was officially formed out of Anson County, named after Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who married King George III of England. The county quickly became an important center of commerce and trade, with Charlotte, its county seat and largest city, serving as a major trading hub in the early days of the nation. The region's fertile land, proximity to waterways, and growing transportation networks made it an important agricultural and industrial region, contributing to its economic growth.
During the American Revolution, Mecklenburg County played a key role in the fight for independence. In 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, also known as the Mecklenburg Resolves, was adopted, declaring the county's independence from British rule more than a year before the more famous Declaration of Independence. While the authenticity and exact wording of this declaration have been debated, it remains an important symbol of the county's early commitment to the Revolutionary cause.
In the years that followed, Mecklenburg County continued to thrive and grow. It saw significant development during the 19th century, with industries like cotton mills and textile manufacturing taking root. The county's prosperity attracted a diverse population, including African Americans who migrated to the area in search of economic opportunities. Today, Mecklenburg County is a thriving and vibrant region with a mix of urban and rural areas, serving as a cultural, educational, and economic center for the state of North Carolina.
Mecklenburg County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
- 1762 - Mecklenburg County is formed from Anson County
- 1768 - Charlotte, the county seat, is incorporated
- 1774 - The Mecklenburg Resolves, a document declaring independence from Britain, is signed
- 1775 - The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence is alleged to have been signed on May 20
- 1776 - The county courthouse is burned down during the Revolutionary War
- 1799 - The University of North Carolina is chartered in Charlotte, but is later moved to Chapel Hill
- 1837 - The first railroad line in Mecklenburg County is completed
- 1865 - General William T. Sherman's troops occupy Charlotte during the Civil War
- 1891 - Charlotte's first electric streetcar system is introduced
- 1973 - Development of Charlotte Douglas International Airport begins
- 1992 - Charlotte hosts the Democratic National Convention
- 2012 - Charlotte hosts the Democratic National Convention for a second time