A late author has truly said, "Men will not be fully able to
understand North Carolina until they have opened the treasures of
history, and become familiar with the doings of her sons, previous to
the revolution; during that painful struggle; and the succeeding years
of prosperity. Then will North Carolina be respected as she is
known."[F]


SKETCHES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.




CHAPTER I.


MECKLENBURG COUNTY.

Mecklenburg county was formed in 1762 from Anson county, and named in
honor of the native place of the new Queen, Princess Charlotte, of
Mecklenburg, one of the smaller German States.

This county has a peculiar historical interest. It is the birth-place
of liberty on American soil. No portion of the State presents a more
glowing page of unflinching patriotic valor than Mecklenburg, always
taking an active part in every political movement, at home or abroad,
leading to independence.

The temper and character of the people were early shown. In 1766,