World War One Dead, Charlotte
The memorial to Mecklenburg County World War One dead has multiple components. A large bronze tablet is the centerpiece listing the names of 104 men from the county who perished during the war. The names of white and black soldiers appear to be segregated. The inscription lettering is attached directly to the 1928 Mecklenburg courthouse wall above the tablet and above this is a small round emblem with a star. A small narrow plaque is below the tablet and has the Spinning Wheel emblem of the Daughters of the American Revolution and dedication inscriptions. To either side of the tablet are lanterns that illuminated the memorial when originally placed on an earlier courthouse building.
When dedicated in 1921 the bronze tablet had been set in a “special” frame. The lettering for the inscription now attached to the courthouse wall, the star emblem and the spinning wheel plaque were attached to the frame. This frame created a flat space for the lettering and two plaques to stand out against the clapboard siding of the courthouse building then in use.
Above plaque, courthouse wall: IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF / MECKLENBURG COUNTY WHO GAVE / THEIR LIVES IN THE WORLD WAR
Light fixture, left: 1917
Light fixture, right: 1919
Spinning wheel plaque, left side: DEDICATED BY / LIBERTY HALL / CHAPTER
Spinning wheel plaque, right side: DAUGHTERS OF / THE AMERICAN / REVOLUTION
Mecklenburg County
November 11, 1921
35.221690 , -80.836970
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“Armistice Day Notable Event in Charlotte,” The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC), November 6, 1921
“Bronze Tablet Honoring Dead in World War from Mecklenburg.” The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC), November 25, 1921
“Governor Pays Tribute to 104 Fallen Heroes,” The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC), November 12, 1921
“Mecklenburg County Courthouse in Charlotte,” Bobbystuff.com, (accessed January 12, 2024) Link
Yes
Bronze, metal
Liberty Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
The tablet was presented by Mrs. W.O. Nisbet, regent, on behalf of the Liberty Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Governor Cameron Morrison delivered the memorial address. Morrison began his speech by greeting the soldiers of the world, the War Mothers, Confederate veterans and veterans of all wars. Near the end of his speech he also gave note to the “colored soldiers.” The “colored boys” did their duty and he noted there were no “bolshevists [sic] among the colored people.” The name of each person on the tablet was read aloud with a drum roll. After the names were read three rifle volleys fired and taps played. The Children of the Confederacy placed flowers and the “Star Spangled Banner” ended the ceremony. A parade with military and patriotic organizations preceded the dedication.
The memorial plaque is located on the wall of the historic 1928 Mecklenburg County Courthouse located at 832 E. 4th St. in Charlotte, NC. Spirit of the American Doughboy stands nearby, at the corner of South Alexander and East 4th Streets
The plaque is attached to a front wall of the historic courthouse building.
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