A Carolina Civil War

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When news of Lexington and Concord arrive in Mecklenburg and other Carolina counties in May 1775, local leaders begin to set up new governments and prepare for the coming war.

In joining the American rebellion against British rule, Carolina Patriots cited a wide range of grievances — from unjust taxes and government extravagance to religious liberty and free trade.

For many residents of the Carolinas, both private interest and public duty argued for loyalty to the Crown. Newly arrived Highlanders formed a sizable percentage of Tory militiamen.