North Carolina played a critical, often overlooked, role in our nation’s founding. We at the North Carolina History Project have put together this timeline of our state’s contributions to the American Revolution. The following timeline chronologically lays out some of the most important events in North Carolina’s revolutionary history and links out to our more...
To academic historians and amateur (or avocational) historians: We explored the North Carolina Historical Review to find articles about the American Revolution. I hope these summaries (written by a person, not AI) will whet your appetite for the longer versions. (A link to each article on JSTOR is provided for each.) Did North Carolina’s Revolution...
The North Carolina Historical Review includes a rich collection of articles about the American Revolution. This list was compiled by Kathryn McKee and Jane Shaw Stroup.
Pyle’s Defeat occurred in February 1781 near the end of the Revolution. It was a savage blow to British hopes, as Lt. Gen. Charles, Lord Cornwallis attempted to stop the Patriots’ momentum.
The subject of Scottish folklore and myth, Flora MacDonald assisted Prince Charles Stuart in his escape from King George II. In 1774, she moved to North Carolina, where her Loyalist husband and son fought in the Battle of Moores Creek.
The Edenton Tea Party was one of the earliest organized women’s political actions in United States history. On October 25, 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker organized, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth King, fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina. Together they formed an alliance wholeheartedly supporting the American cause against “taxation without representation.”
Yadkin County (1850)
Yattken, a Siouan word for "land of big trees," is attributed to the Yadkin River which in turn influenced the naming of Yadkin County and its seat of government, Yadkinville. Established in 1850, Yadkin County's orginial inhabitants were the Saponi and Tutelo, and the first white families traveled to the region by way of the Great Wagon Road (from Pennsylvania to North Carolina). The Yadkin River, the Yadkinville Bluegrass Contest and Fiddler’s Convention, and the Richmond Hill house are the most well-known features of Yadkin County.
Surry County (1771)
Annexed from Rowan County in 1771, Surry has been an important county to the state of North Carolina, with particular regard to granite production and the historic Andy Griffith Show. The Saura were the original Native Americans to reside in present-day Surry, and the Great Wagon Road opened colonial settlement to the region in the early to mid-eighteenth century. One of North Carolina’s most distinct mountain peaks, Pilot Mountain, is located in Surry County.
Tyrrell County (1729)
A county with numerous wetlands, swamps, and bogs, Tyrrell is home to the largest habitat for black bears on the United States east coast. Outdoorsmen and naturalists visit Tyrrell County to fish, bird watch, and for water sports. Even so, Tyrrell is the least populated county in North Carolina; its wetlands, in times past, have discouraged travel, agriculture, and widespread settlement.
Ashe County (1799)
A northwestern corner county in the mountains of North Carolina, Ashe was formed from sections of Wilkes County in 1799, and its seat of government is Jefferson. From 1784 to 1788 Ashe and several other counties formed an independent state known as Franklin. However, the state lasted only a short time due to continual attacks by surrounding Native Americans and the indifference of the national government.
Chowan County (1681)
The “cradle of the colony,” Chowan County’s history survives as a vital piece to the formation of the North Carolina colony and state. The site of the famous Edenton Tea Party and a residence of numerous patriots, Chowan served as a centerpiece for the ensuing colonial demand for independence. Edenton, the seat of government in Chowan, was established in 1722, and numerous homes and structures built in the eighteenth century still stand and remain a testament to the town’s and Chowan’s colonial heritage.
Northampton County (1741)
A northern coastal county that borders Virginia, Northampton was formed from Bertie County in 1741, and its seat of government is Jackson. The Roanoke River meanders through the region, and the Roanoke Rapids are another interesting physical feature of the county. The first railroad to pass through North Carolina did so in Northampton in the early 1830s, and Sir Archie, North Carolina’s finest thoroughbred, was from the region.
Yancey County (1833)
The most mountainous county in North Carolina, Yancey has five of the ten highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain in the state, rests in Yancey, and the Black Mountain range extends into the county. Formed in 1833, the county was named after U.S. Congressman Bartlett Yancey. A notable aspect of Yancey includes the high number of artists and craftsmen and women who reside in this mountain county.
Perquimans County (1668)
“The land of beautiful women,” Perquimans County was once home to the Yeopim and Weapemeoc. During the early colonial era, several rebellions occurred in the county despite the large Quaker presence within the region. Established in 1668, Perquimans is home to the oldest colonial structure in North Carolina, and its seat of government is Hertford.
O. Henry (1862 – 1910)
More commonly known as O. Henry, the North Carolina-born author was famous for his “O. Henry Endings” and popular short stories in the early-twentieth century. Born in Greensboro in 1862, O. Henry’s early childhood and adolescence greatly influenced his literary style and voice. Some of his famous works include “The Gift of the Magi”, “The Ransom of Red Chief”, and “Memoirs of a Yellow Dog.”
Billy Graham (1918 – 2018)
One of the most renowned orators and preachers of the twentieth century, Graham has touched the lives of millions internationally since entering evangelism after World War II. Born in Charlotte, Graham grew up as a skeptic, but he converted after hearing evangelist Mordecai Ham in 1934. Afterward, Billy Graham became passionate about spreading the Gospel, and his organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (established in 1950), remains a vital international outlet for Christian devotions, radio, and television.
Richard Petty (1937 – )
Referred to as the King of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Richard Petty remains the driver in stock car racing history with the most wins. Petty was born to a racing family in Level Cross (Randolph County), North Carolina, in 1937, and as a twenty-one year old, he started racing. Known also for his trademark racing techniques, such as drafting, and charming personality, Petty won seven championships and was voted the most popular driver in NASCAR for nine years.
Dale Earnhardt, Sr. (1951 – 2001)
One of the greatest American stock car drivers of all time, Dale Earnhardt was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The son of Ralph Earnhardt, Dale continued the racing legacy, and it lives on today with his son, Dale Earnhardyt Jr., and the company Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI). Known as the Intimidator for his aggressive driving style, Earnhardt won seven NASCAR titles, rivaling fellow North Carolinian driver, Richard Petty.