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1781 - Cowan's Ford

February 1, 1781 - British commander Cornwallis advances back into North Carolina as American General Nathanael Greene's army retreats. At a crossing place, or ford, on the Catawba River, the Battle of Cowan's Ford claims the life of beloved North Carolina militia commander General William Lee Davidson. In later years, a town, a county and a college will be named for Davidson.

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1786 - Charlotte

The population of Charlotte is 276. The city is home to a flour mill, saw mill, and rifle factory. Merchants, tailors, weavers and blacksmiths serve the growing community. About 9,000 people make their homes in Mecklenburg County. By the turn of the century, that number will more than double.

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1807 - Tensions with Great Britain

Great Britain and France are violating trade agreements with the U.S. Both countries seize American ships. Although some of the captured American crew members were born in Britain, they now declare themselves U. S. citizens. Britain ignores their claims, and impresses, or forces, them to serve the British Royal Navy.

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1781 - Articles of Confederation

All thirteen states ratify the Articles of Confederation which calls for a firm league of friendship between states. However, each state remains sovereign and independent. Congress continues to manage foreign affairs, determine currency, regulate the postal services and other services, but they could not regulate commerce or raise money or enlist troops directly. Eventually serious problems arise.

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1800 - Slave Resistance

Plantation owners fear their slaves may plan to run away or revolt. To prevent this, slaves are forbidden to meet in groups or learn to read. They live in huts and cabins where the supervisors, or overseers, can watch them. Often, husbands and wives are separated. But the slaves gather in secret to worship, study and sing hymns. One is called Steal Away, and some slaves believe the words are a sacred message telling them to seek freedom.A street through slave quarters

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1807 - Educating Ladies

Most girls receive no formal education. They learn homemaking skills from their mothers. Families who can afford the $5 per session tuition send their daughters to Mrs. Milligan's Young Ladies' School. Pupils learn reading, writing, grammar and needlework. Five years later, Mrs. Bevens will open a girls' boarding school.

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1781 - Serving Her Country

November 1781 - The British have allowed American nurses to care for wounded American prisoners, so Elizabeth Jackson travels to Charleston, South Carolina. Andrew Jackson is only 14 years old when he receives a small bundle from Charleston. The package contains his mother's belongings. Elizabeth Jackson has contracted the plague and died while caring for her country's fighting men.

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1814 - Treaty of Ghent

December 24, 1814 - The U.S. and Great Britain sign a treaty at Ghent, Belgium that will end the War of 1812. But before word of the treaty that is signed across the Atlantic Ocean reaches America, the British will attack again. One more major battle will erupt, this time on Southern soil.

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1808 - End of the Slave Trade

The United States will no longer allow slaves to be brought here, or imported, from foreign countries. But this ruling does not affect slaves who are already here. It will take a war to win their freedom.

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1781 - Jackson Tragedy

<p>April 9, 1781 - The British are chasing him, but wily Andy Jackson escapes. His cousin, Thomas Crawford, is not as lucky. On the way to warn Crawford&#39;s family, Jackson too is captured. So is his brother, Robert. Soldiers force the boys to march to a South Carolina prison. Their mother, Elizabeth Jackson, rides to Camden and demands their release. She succeeds. But both boys have fallen ill with smallpox, and Robert dies just two days after returning home.</p>

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