Union County, NC
Home MenuAmerica’s 250th Anniversary
Union County’s Commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary
Union County is proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, a defining moment in our nation’s history. This upcoming milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on our country’s founding principles and honor the progress and resilience of our community.
Rather than forming a single official committee to coordinate events, the County is providing flexibility for various groups, organizations and municipalities to plan events and programs. This approach allows for broader opportunities to plan more events and programs throughout Union County and its numerous municipalities.
View our full America 250 playlist.
The County looks forward to commemorating this historic occasion and will share information on planned events and programs on this dedicated webpage.
Union County and the City of Monroe unveiled the Charters of Freedom installation at Main Street Plaza in downtown Monroe during a special ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, 2024. The public may view the displays of life-size replicas of our country's founding documents, as well as the core documents that ensured civil rights for women and minorities in our country. View them anytime in Main Street Plaza, in front of the Union County Government Center, under the flagpoles.
Related News
America the Beautiful: Student Art Contest
Union County youth have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and celebrate the beauty of America through art. In partnership with the Union County Community Arts Council, Union County has launched an America 250 Student Art Contest, inviting kindergarten through 12th grade students to submit original artwork inspired by the theme “America the Beautiful.”
The contest encourages students to reflect on what makes America meaningful to them, whether through images of forests, lakes, wildlife, parks, family landmarks, patriotic symbols, or favorite locations throughout the United States and Union County. The contest is designed to highlight both artistic talent and community pride ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The contest is open to all Union County students, including those enrolled in public, charter, private, and homeschool programs. Entries will be grouped into three grade groups: K-3, 4-6, and 7-12 based on the 2025-2026 school year. Artwork must be original, two-dimensional, and no larger than 18 by 24 inches. Accepted mediums include drawing, painting, and photography, though AI-generated images are not permitted. Submissions will be accepted through Thursday, June 19, at any Union County Library location or the Union County Government Center.
A panel of local artists will select finalists in June after the submission window closes. Community members will then vote online for “People’s Choice” winners, and the winning students will be recognized during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday, July 20.
For full submission details, visit our Art Contest webpage. Opportunities and information about how Union County is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence can be found on our dedicated America 250 webpage.