It symbolizes the patriotic heritage of the people of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the Carolinas, and their dedication to American independence and freedom.

The Bell weighs seven tons and is approximately seven feet wide by seven feet high. You will hear its deep resonant voice during guided tours, welcoming groups to the museum and Homesite.

Backcountry Patriot Statue 

High Point, North Carolina artist David Dowdy sculpted the lifesize bronze statue of “The Backcountry Patriot” to honor Hezekiah Alexander and others who devoted themselves to the battle for American independence and the development of the young city of Charlotte.

Peruvian Mill stone
A young man named Conrad Reed discovered the first gold found in North America not far from here, setting off America’s first gold rush. A crude stone mill such as this, powered by a man or an animal, would have been used to break up pieces of gold ore.

Historic Gardens
In the shelter of the trees around the Backcountry Patriot Statue and along the stream are gardens featuring plants used by Native American Indians and early settlers for medicine, in worship and for food. Brochures available in the gardens identify and explain the uses of these plants. 

Behind the Hezekiah Alexander House is a colonial-style herb garden. This beautiful arrangement of flowering and foliage plants would have provided culinary seasoning, pest control and medicines to the colonists. Your tour guide can explain what these plants are and how they were used.

El Dominante (The Dominant One)
This rare Spanish cannon was cast in Barcelona, Spain on May 20, 1769. After 129 years of service for Spain, it was captured in 1898 by American Forces in the West Indies during the Spanish-American War. Two years later it was presented to the City of Charlotte by the President of the United States. It is thought to have been unveiled during the Meck-Dec celebration of 1902.

At first the cannon was mounted on the grounds of the old post office, then for many years it stood on the lawn of the D. H. Hill School. Later it was installed uptown, and in 1999 it was moved to its present location in front of the museum.