Jackson County, North Carolina Charters of Freedom

Town of Sylva

May 19, 2017

In 2015, Foundation Forward, Inc. made a presentation to Jackson County, NC. The Commissioners took the matter into consideration and affirmed their acceptance of a Charters of Freedom setting. The three-part setting would consist of The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. On April 28, 2015, the official Letter of Intent was signed by our Founders, Vance and Mary Jo Patterson and Jackson County Commission Chairman, Brain McMahon. It was confirmed that the site for the setting would be on the grounds of the Old Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Sylva; however, this location was eventually changed to the nearby Mark Watson Park. This location was selected for its central location in the county, high visibility and foot traffic, and easy access by school children and citizens. This setting was the first Charters of Freedom to be built using a brick façade, and the first to include engraved Legacy Pavers which can be purchased for a donation through our website. The dedication ceremony was held on May 19, 2017.