The famed capital of "Textile Land" and the largest city in North Carolina, located in the south part of the state. Also known as the City of Trees and Queen City, Charlotte is a major financial and distribution center for the southeast. Charlotte's name comes from a German woman from Mechlenburg-Strelitz, named Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife to Great Britain's King George III. During the American Revolution, North Carolinians met at a convention and drafted the "Mechlenburg Declaration of Independence," on May 20, 1775. Today, May 20th is still celebrated as a state holiday in North Carolina. One of Charlotte's key attractions to visit is known as Discover Place, there you can find hands-on exhibits about science. Another key place to go to is the Mint Museum of Art, you can find international acclaimed exhibits. The mint served as a U.S. Federal Mint during the time of 1837 to 1913, when prospectors found gold in the area. Built in 1774, the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, the oldest building in the city is named after it's settler. Other sites to see include the Latta Place a performing arts center, Paramount's Carowinds theme park, Lake Catawba, Lake Norman, Charlotte's Coliseum seating over 13,000 people, and the American Cotton Manufactureers Institute.