News
NC Senate marks America’s 250th at Old Capitol
North Carolina senators walked one block south and nearly 250 years back in history Tuesday morning.
Opinion
Germans played role in Carolina revolt
It is estimated that by the eve of the Revolutionary era, as much as 30% of North Carolina’s population was German. Many played key roles in the ensuing war.
Opinion
When Carolinians killed Carolinians
Two hundred and fifty-one years ago this month, two large groups of armed North Carolinians camped about six miles away from each other in what is now Alamance County. A thousand state militiamen, led by North Carolina Gov. William Tryon, had come to suppress a popular revolt known as the Regulator movement. About twice that...
Opinion
Band of Giants Recalls Revolution’s Heroes
A recent book teaches us about the extraordinary and ordinary people who made America independent of the British Crown.
Opinion
Martyr to the Cause
While Col. Alexander Erwin was away fighting British and Tories, the Revolutionary War came straight to his home in Burke County – and to his wife Sarah.
Opinion
Foes on the Eve of Battle
Gov. William Tryon gave the Regulators gather in Alamance County a final ultimatum: disarm and surrender. “Fire and be damned!” they responded.
Opinion
The Tall Tales of Robert McCall
Who better to help fool the first-class troops of a dangerous enemy than a first-class storyteller?
Opinion
The Tale of Crooked Neck John
In my continuing efforts to perfect my punditry persona of “crotchety not-so-old man,” I have recently discovered a wonderful new source of material.
Opinion
History of Key N.C. Battle ‘Excellent’
Victories in the South concluded the American Revolution, but they are rarely acknowledged by historians. Lawrence Babits and Joshua Howard do not follow that narrative, and their accurate and readable history of this seminal battle offers a significant service to readers.
Opinion
The Patriots Behind The County Names
Many North Carolina counties take their names from defenders of liberty. Without these patriots, North Carolina history would have a much different character.
Opinion
No. 950 A Short History of the Lost State of Franklin in Western N.C.
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.
