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Revolutionary history and 21st century technology merge in the Charlotte Liberty Walk (“CLW”), a new and interactive project in uptown Charlotte, N.C. The CLW links together 15 important sites regarding the American Revolution, including the Battle of Charlotte and the site of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775.

The 15 site self-guided tour begins on South Tryon near the Liberty Hall DAR Monument that was erected in 1913 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. You then proceed up South Tryon following the line of Lord Cornwallis’ advance into Charlotte in September 1780. A plaque commemorates where the British Army was encamped in Charlotte from September 26 to October 17, 1780.

Further on, towards the intersection of Trade & Tryon in the center of Charlotte, is the State Historical Marker commemorating the Battle of Charlotte on September 26, 1780, when local militia fought a delaying action against Cornwallis’ army. Near the intersection is a new stone to commemorate the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was on May 20, 1775, where the citizens of Mecklenburg County, N.C. became the first political entity in the American colonies to declare themselves “free and independent” from the King and Parliament of Great Britain.

Next stop is the homesite of James Jack, who delivered the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress. Other sites include the home of Colonel Thomas Polk and a statue of Queen Charlotte, for whom the City is named.

Because none of Charlotte’s pre-revolutionary structures exist today, the Charlotte Liberty Walk App tour serves as a visual aid to help people bridge the centuries and understand what the city was like during the early formative years. Local artist Dan Nance has produced 15 stunning pieces of original art work which his company, HandHeldHistory and technology partner Wanderpoint, have made into an accessible app. See www.charlottelibertywalk.com for more details.