Hi there! My name is Mea, a historian as well as Education & Engagement Manager here at the museum. Thanks for joining us today!
Our first stop on the tour is the American Freedom Bell. This impressive bell was first rung on New Year's Eve of 1999 to welcome in the new millennium. It’s not only a symbol of freedom, but it also holds a unique record — it’s the largest bell at ground level in the United States, weighing a whopping 7.5 tons. Standing 7 feet tall and 7 feet wide, it’s hard to miss!
If you take a closer look at either face of the bell, you’ll spot a small hornet. This ties into an interesting piece of Charlotte’s history. Back in 1780, during the American Revolution, British troops took over what was then just a small village. The people of Charlotte fought back fiercely for 16 days, causing the British to retreat. General George Cornwallis, who led the British forces, is said to have called Charlotte "a hornet’s nest of rebellion." Whether or not he actually said it, the nickname stuck — and that’s where we get the name for our basketball team, the Charlotte Hornets. Even today, the hornet is a proud symbol of our city.
The American Freedom Bell stands as a powerful reminder of the constant effort and struggle to protect freedom in Mecklenburg County. Charlotte has long been a leader in the fight for liberty, and it’s something we take great pride in. This bell was donated by the Belk Foundation to honor those who fought for freedom, especially during the American Revolution.
As we continue our tour, all the sites we’ll visit are related to the Revolutionary period. From here, follow the path around the Bell and down the hill, keeping the picnic area on your right. We’ll pick back up at the mill stone. See you there!