‘Liberty Walk’ to showcase Charlotte’s Revolutionary past

Its not Bostons Freedom Trail, but its a start for Charlotte and its proud Revolutionary War history.

After all, it was here that the flames of revolution were fanned by the 560-mile ride of Capt. James Jack. He was Charlottes most recognizable Revolutionary War figure who, in the summer of 1775, rode horseback to deliver seditious papers to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Many believe those papers signed by Charlotte leaders on May 20, 1775 declared Mecklenburg Countys liberty from England rule, a year before the newly declared country severed ties to the crown.

Five years later, in September 1780, a local militia 150 strong fought at Trade and Tryon streets to hold back 4,000 British troops in what became known as the Battle of Charlotte.

Now workers are finishing Charlottes new Liberty Walk, placing 104 red granite pavers with a likeness of Capt. Jack and his horse along a three-quarter-mile urban path. The pavers are 20 to 30 feet apart, starting at South Tryon Street and The Square. The walk loops onto West Trade Street and then North Church Street, before turning right onto West Fifth Street. After crossing North Tryon, it takes another right onto North College Street and then another onto East Trade back to The Square.

In all, there are 15 sites, 12 of which have been there for years in the form of plaques and markers that have largely gone unnoticed and unconnected.

Charlotte has all these Revolutionary War sites, but no one notices them, said Scott Syfert, a Charlotte lawyer who is vice chair of the May 20th Society, the group that promotes Charlottes role in the revolution. Were just trying to refocus attention to these sites by linking them together and bringing in a graphic arts component.

Many sites long gone

The society is spearheading the Liberty Walk with the Arts & Science Council, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Charlotte Center City Partners and Central Piedmont Community College. The society and CPCC also were responsible for the bronzed statue of Capt. Jack galloping on his horse, unveiled at Kings Drive and 4th Street near the college two years ago.

Since most of Charlottes sites are long gone, the society hired historical artist Dan Nance to paint depictions of the sites and tell their stories using bar codes that allow walkers to watch video clips on mobile phones or tablets.

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‘Liberty Walk’ to showcase Charlotte’s Revolutionary past