Benevolent Work
Brad’s Drink: A New Bern Beverage Enjoyed Across the World
1866-1915
Businessmen want to make profits, to be sure, but they understand that to do so, they must satisfy customers. In the end, everyone involved in the transaction is pleased. Caleb Bradham, inventor of Pepsi-Cola, provides a perfect example.
Nathaniel Macon: American Patriot and Defender of Liberty
The “foremost leading public man of North Carolina” during the early republic era (1789-1830) is only a blip on the radar screen of modern historiography. So, let me introduce him and tell how he embodied the “Old Republican” values. (During this time, republicanism was the idea that a citizenry should be virtuous and maintain a proper balance between liberty and power.)
Military History: Regaining Lost Ground?
Elite colleges have largely abandoned military history, but there are signs of life at some major universities.
“Normal” People Made History
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.
What’s In A Name?: A Brief History of County Names
The majority of North Carolina counties are named after American patriots, friends of the American cause during the Revolutionary period, or defenders of liberty during the state’s early years. Each county’s namesake should not only remind readers about North Carolina’s rich history but also about the principles that these men defended.
Nothing Says It Better Than A Good Quote
Many times, nothing proves a point better than a good quote. Anything else—a paraphrase or an explanation--only dampens a literary passage’s verve or weakens an argument’s persuasiveness. So with brief contextual background, here are four quotes from North Carolinians regarding the importance of liberty and the imperative to defend it against corrupt government.
When Five Fast Pennies Is Better Than a Slow Nickel
Ralph W. Ketner, one of three co-founders of Food Town (later renamed Food Lion), is a North Carolina example displaying how entrepreneurial creativity combined with hard work and a willingness to take risks can produce financial success and public benefit.
The State of Franklin: Mountain Secession and Independent Thought
In North Carolina, regionalism has existed since day one. In August 1784, western North Carolinians established the State of Franklin—“the only de facto state that functioned in every aspect of statal power,” writes historian Samuel Cole Williams. After a civil war in the mountains, however, the “Lost State of Franklin” ceased in February 1789.
What’s in a Name? North Carolina Geography
For centuries North Carolinians have maintained a sense of place—a belief that where one is from influences behavior and even fosters worldviews. Even with increasing urbanization and suburbanization, native North Carolinians still commonly and thankfully ask, “Where are you from?”, before asking, “So, what do you do”?
A New Light “Infestation”: Charles Woodmason on Colonial Piedmont Religion
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.
A Duel to End All Duels: Richard Dobbs Spaight vs. John Stanly
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 debate
Brad’s Drink: A New Bern Beverage Enjoyed Across the World
Businessmen want to make profits, to be sure, but they understand that to do so, they must satisfy customers. In the end, everyone involved in the transaction is pleased. Caleb Bradham, inventor of Pepsi-Cola, provides a perfect example.
“Is Anything Free?” Debates Regarding Internal Improvements in Antebellum North Carolina
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.