Prominent citizens of Mecklenburg County allegedly signed a formal declaration of independence (Meck Dec) on May 20, 1775. This document was a step toward independence from the United Kingdom before the rest of the nation. The validity of the Meck Dec is heavily debated as no original document exists because it is believed to have been destroyed in the Alexandriana Homesite fire of 1800. One of the two dates listed on the North Carolina state flag is in honor of this legendary signing as a testament to the early independence movement.