In 1780, the hope for liberty pushed Jane Parks McDowell, a young mother and patriot with Scots-Irish roots, to make a perilous ten mile ride on horseback while carrying her two year old son to warn the Continental Army that the British were retreating from their loss at the Battle of Charlotte, NC. Janes’ heroic act allowed Patriot troops to saddle up and head off the British army on their retreat back to South Carolina and awarded Jane the nickname “the Female Paul Revere”. The resulting skirmish was indicative of the region's violent resistance to the British.

Join us on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2:00pm-5:00pm as Historian Hugh Dussek returns to historic Cedar Grove along with fantastic Irish music and dance. We’ll share insights on regional ecology including native species of moss and natural gardening while “unspoken Poetry”, HEARTS first art exhibit of 2025, is featured in the Center Hall. An afternoon of history, nature, and the arts will enthrall event guests as they learn about Mecklenburg County’s role in the Revolutionary War with a focus on the patriotic actions of Jane Parks McDowell.

This event is offered free to the community, with donations greatly appreciated. Tickets are limited, so reserve your seat today below!