Entries written by: Troy L. Kickler
Showing results: 1 to 10 out of 74
"Is Anything Free?: Debates Regarding Internal Improvements in Antebellum North Carolina" Commentary
Some things never change. The particulars may do so, yet the essence remains. Modern-day political ideas in North Carolina, for example, are rooted in the state’s past. One example is public-funded roads."Normal" People Made History Commentary
Why would I want to study peasants, when I can study kings?”, asked a fellow historian. “Kings,” he continued, “made history.” He was reacting to my comment that it’s important to study “normal” people. My friend thought I trumpeted the usual, social history mantra. But I meant something different.A Duel to End All Duels: Richard Dobbs Spaight Vs. John Stanly Commentary
Political debate often brings out the worst in people. Thankfully dueling is now outlawed, but the personal pettiness that saturates the political process makes me long for the spirit of the good ol’ days to be placed in a modern-day boxing ring, where the disgruntled can find satisfaction and then get on with the business of genuine debateA New Light "Infestation": Charles Woodmason on Colonial Piedmont Religion Commentary
North Carolinians do not think of the present-day and economically thriving Piedmont as an ignorant backcountry that undermines social order. But in the eastern part of the Province of North Carolina during the Pre-Revolutionary Period (1750-1775) many believed it was exactly that.Anti-Federalism Encyclopedia
Anti-Federal was the name given to the men and the movement opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Ironically, Anti-Federals wanted a more federal government than the Federals; the term resulted from a Federal political strategy to present Anti-Federals as opponents of limited government. Before they ratified (approved) the Constitution, Anti-Federals wanted a Bill of Rights to be included.Lucas Vasques de Ayllon (1475-1526) Encyclopedia
A lawyer and nobleman from Spain, Lucas Vasques de Ayllon sponsored the first Spanish explorations (three total) of what became North Carolina. He also discovered Chesapeake Bay and established San Miguel de Guandape, a settlement near what would be Jamestown. The wild horses of Shackleford Banks (near Beaufort) are reminders of Ayllon's explorations and failed attempts to settle in the land.A Missionary of English Civilization to the Piedmont: Backcountry Religion and One Man’s Perspective Lesson Plan
During the mid-1700s, the North Carolina backcountry (now known as the Piedmont) was much different than Eastern North Carolina. Anglican itinerant Charles Woodmason of Charleston, South Carolina, “a missionary of English civilization,” went to the backcountry to convert Piedmont farmers and bring stability and order to a region where religious dissidents lived. This lesson plan includes four selections from Woodmason's sermons and reports, a reading worksheet, and discussion questions for advanced students.