Category Archives: History

Transcribed and annotated by John A. McGeachy from “Cape Fear Sketches” by Col. John D. Jones (ca 1789-1854) of Wilmington.  McGeachy was recently retired from NCSU after 25 years of service.  He plans to publish an annotated edition of Jones’ … Continue reading →

By RoAnn Bishop From the Fall 2008 issue of Tar Heel Junior Historian: North Carolina History for Students, produced by the North Carolina Museum of History Like the sea he loved, Otway Burn’s life was full of ups and downs.  … Continue reading →

For many thousands of people, old fort Macon is a well known landmark and historic attraction. Its imposing walls have been a source of wonder and curiosity for decades. But many people are not aware of Fort Macon’s predecessor, an … Continue reading →

Jim Greathouse, Park Ranger Historian Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum Gunboat 166 was one of three Jeffersonian gunboats built in North Carolina prior to the War of 1812.  These small warships were meant for coastal patrolling, harbor protection, … Continue reading →

By: Andrew Duppstadt, Assistant Curator of Education, NC Historic Sites During the War of 1812, no political figure stood taller and commanded more respect in North Carolina than Nathaniel Macon. A native of Warren County and veteran of the American … Continue reading →

During the summer of 2010, a patron from Durham, N.C. walked into the North Carolina Museum of History with a box of artifacts and documents. Earlier correspondence, had indicated that the patron’s family had recently sold a house located on … Continue reading →

1812 June 18 – US declares war on Britain August 27 – Otway Burns and Edward Pasteur obtain a privateer’s license for their vessel, The Snap Dragon. The vessel, the most famous of a number of North Carolina privateers, will … Continue reading →