CHAPTER 4 THEME 2B
War Comes to North Carolina
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In 1776 British troops
analyzing American
Rebellion
Started by gaining control
of NC and other southern
colonies.
Thought NC loyalist would
rally and join British
cause.
A lot of Loyalist lived in
Cross Creek, Cumberland
County (Fayetteville)
They headed for the coast.
Led by British General
Donald McDonald
THE BATTLE OF MOORES CREEK BRIDGE
Patriot militiamen
heard of the loyalist
coming, mobilized to
stop the march.
 Evening, Feb 26, 1776
North of Wilmington
50-ft-long bridge, over
swamp, McDonald
had to cross. Made of
logs and planks.
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Militiamen removed
most of the planks
and greased the logs
with soap and tallow
 (slippery fatty
substance)
 Militiamen set up
defenses on the
Eastern bank of the
swamp
 Daybreak McDonald’s
troops arrived in kilts
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Noticed planks were
missing so walked
across slippery logs.
Militiamen fired round
of guns and cannons.
In 30 minutes about 30
men dead
850 surrendered
Others ran into the
swamp.
Later became known as
the Lexington of the
South
THE HALIFAX RESOLVES
After Moores Creek
Victory Provincial
Congress met in
Halifax County
 Congress ran colonies
affairs ever since
Josiah Martin fled
 Break ties with the
British
 April 12 1776 passes
Halifax Resolves
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Authorized delegates
to propose and vote for
full independence
from Britain.
 NC became first
colony to take an
official stand for
independence.
 Look at the NC flag
 What are the dates?
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May 20th,1775
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Supposed
Mecklenburg
Declaration of
Independence
April 12th, 1776
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Halifax Resolves
BRITISH HEAD TO CHARLESTON
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Ships that McDonald
was supposed to meet,
assembles at the mouth
of Cape Fear River
Went south to
Charleston
Attacked Charleston
harbor Fort for 9 hours,
ships damaged, Fort
held up
British failed
Sailed out of harbor and
headed North