One of the first expressions by American colonists of the desire to govern themselves, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, was purportedly adopted by Mecklenburg County residents on May 20, 1775; that’s why the date is inscribed on North Carolina’s flag. The 250th anniversary of that historic moment will be commemorated in various ways across the state, including in Charlotte.

The other important date, July 4, 1776, is better known as the date the Second Continental Congress adopted the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Although the 250th anniversary of that momentous occasion isn’t until next year, state and local governments across the county are already gearing up for what will likely be one of the most memorable Independence Day holidays in American history.

The Town of Waynesville has already secured a $27,000 grant through the state to create a mural of the town’s namesake, Revolutionary War General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, on the Wall Street side of The Strand.

The Haywood Preservation Committee will work with the Haywood County NC250 Committee, The Strand’s owners and community stakeholders to select an artist and finalize the mural’s design. The town’s match of the grant will be $4,050.

— Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor