Revolutionary War 1776-1781

October 7, 1780 - On a long, low ridge to the west of Charlotte, frontiersmen from Georgia, Virginia, and both Carolinas are fighting a band of British militiamen led by Major Patrick Ferguson. Although they are evenly matched with about 900 men each, the determined Americans surround the British and trap them at the top of Kings Mountain. Twenty-eight Americans lose their lives and 68 suffer injuries, but they kill, wound or capture nearly all of the British troops in a stunning victory that helps bring about the end of the Revolutionary War.

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.

Dozens more battles have been fought throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia. But the British have made a serious mistake. They have assumed that Southerners who are still loyal to the Crown will help them easily defeat the American army. Their strategy fails as the South continues to fight for independence.

January, 1776 - Even among the delegates to the Continental Congress, there are disagreements. Some men, called Loyalists, still want to remain faithful to Britain. Others, including North Carolinians, demand complete independence. The turning point comes when Thomas Paine writes a pamphlet entitled Common Sense. His strong words convince the colonies to cut all ties with Britain. Finally, there is solid support for Independence.