As America approaches 250 years of freedom and independence, now is the time for North Carolina to reflect on the unique role our people and places have played in the American story. Across the country, Americans will be celebrating the founding of our nation. During this time, the John Locke Foundation will be publishing content, hosting events, and sharing stories in observation of North Carolina’s part in the creation of our nation.
Not only was North Carolina one of the original colonies, but it was one of the first and earliest states to pick up the torch of freedom, and the land of our great state is marked by events that changed the course of our nation forever.
Early North Carolinians rebelled against colonial reign in New Bern, the first capital, where Governor William Tryon raised taxes to build his beautiful palace. In Halifax, North Carolina became the first colony to call for complete independence from Britain in the Halifax Resolves. And in Edenton, 51 women joined together and put their lives on the line to protest the tyrannical British tax on tea, known as the Edenton Tea Party.
Prize money will be awarded to the top three submissions in the amounts of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500.
WATCH OUR EDENTON TEA PARTY DOCUMENTARY
REVOLUTIONARY BATTLES IN NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina was an active battleground during revolutionary times. Often considered North Carolina’s first revolutionary battle, the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge took place on February 27, 1776. This battle was not between the English and the colonists, however. It was between Patriots and Loyalists. The Patriots’ victory at Moore’s Creek Bridge ended the rule of the British governor, Josiah Martin.
P.S. Keep an eye out for our documentary and historical reenactment coming in 2026!
Other noteworthy battles include the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill on June 20, 1780, the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, and the Battle of Guilford County Courthouse in 1781.
Watercolor painting by Don Troiani depicting the North Carolina militia shooting at the British from behind a split rail fence. Don Troiani, Courtesy of the National Park Service.
NORTH CAROLINA’S ROLE IN RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION
North Carolina played an important role in our nation’s founding history. Home to firm believers that the Constitution needed a Bill of Rights, North Carolina held off on ratifying the Constitution until they were confident that a Bill of Rights would be added. This made North Carolina the second to last state to ratify the Constitution.
Political cartoon from The Federal Edifice. Massachusetts Centinel, August 2, 1788. Courtesy of The Library of Congress.
In what is likely the most famous depiction of the signing of the Constitution, you can see North Carolina’s signatories front-and-center, with New Bern-born Richard Dobbs Spaight actively signing in front of fellow founder Thomas Jefferson. Standing behind him is another Tar Heel, William Blount. The last member of the North Carolina delegation to sign the Constitution is stepping up on the platform—Hugh Williamson.
North Carolina delegation represented in Howard Chandler Christy’s famous painting, Signing of the Constitution of the United States. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
