On April 26, 2025, the McDowell County America 250 NC Committee will kick off our year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a public event on the grounds of the Historic Carson House. Scheduling the kick-off in April allows us to mark the 250th anniversary of the “shots heard ‘round the world” in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Tickets not required. Activities will include: A formal program at 10 a.m. in the Jubilee Arbor on the Carson House grounds, highlighted by proclamations by local officials, a fife-and-drum corps procession, and the unveiling of the local America 250 theme Living history demonstrations, crafts, music, and food on the grounds Storytelling and presentations in the Arbor Tours of the Carson House and William Moore Cabin.