Governor Richard Caswell Memorial State Historic Site

09/03/2026

Instead of a TBT post, we wanted to highlight something special to us: the Richard Caswell Papers. These papers are currently held at the state archives in Raleigh.

Discovering History: The Richard Caswell Papers
Behind every major moment in history are the letters, records, and personal documents that help tell the story. The Richard Caswell Papers provide a rare glimpse into the life of one of North Carolina’s most important Revolutionary-era leaders and offer a firsthand look at the challenges of building a new state during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

The collection includes correspondence, official documents, military orders, financial records, and other materials that help historians understand daily life during the Revolutionary era. These documents provide insight into the difficult decisions leaders faced while balancing the needs of a state at war. From organizing troops and securing supplies to communicating with other Patriot leaders, Caswell’s papers reveal the complex responsibilities of guiding North Carolina through uncertain times.

Among the most valuable parts of the collection are the letters exchanged between Caswell and other political and military figures. These personal communications allow historians to see beyond the major battles and famous events. They reveal concerns about troop movements, shortages, local conflicts, and the challenges of maintaining support for the Patriot cause. Through these letters, we hear the voices of the people who shaped North Carolina’s path toward independence.

Beyond military history, the Richard Caswell Papers tell the story of creating a new government. As governor, Caswell faced the enormous challenge of helping establish North Carolina as an independent state. The documents reveal struggles with finances, security, political disagreements, and rebuilding after years of war.

Today, the Richard Caswell Papers serve as an invaluable resource for historians, students, and anyone interested in understanding Revolutionary North Carolina. They remind us that history is not only found in battles and famous speeches, but also in handwritten letters, official records, and personal accounts that preserve the experiences of those who lived through these events.

The Richard Caswell Papers are more than a collection of documents. They are a window into the decisions, sacrifices, and determination of the people who helped create a new nation. Through these preserved records, Richard Caswell’s legacy continues to connect us with North Carolina’s Revolutionary past and the individuals who shaped its future.

Find the online documents here: https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/governor-richard-caswell-correspondence-january-18-december-4-1777./1016686

And more here: https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/catalog?f%5Baccess%5D%5B%5D=online&f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Richard+Caswell+Papers%2C+1776-1914++%28bulk+1776-1785%29

(Shout out to the NC archival team for their wonderful work!)

Governor Richard Caswell correspondence: January 18-December 4, 1777., Governors' Papers, Series Two, Box 1, 309.1, Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789., Dews, Robert., Cottineau, Denis Nicolas., Johnston, Samuel, 1733-1816., Green, James, Jr., Lords, William., Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807., Beasley, John B...

08/28/2026

The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial State Historic Site will be CLOSED to the public on Saturday, August 29, due to on going tree removal work.

You will see some big changes coming to the site very soon, but for public safety reasons, it will be off limits to the public on 8-29-26. Thank you! We will reopen 9/4.

08/27/2026

The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial State Historic Site will be CLOSED to the public on Friday, August 28, due to on going landscaping work.

You will see some big changes coming to the site very soon, but for public safety reasons, it will be off limits to the public on 8-28-26. Thank you!

08/24/2026

This is pretty neat! Thank you America 250 NC!

History moment! Can you interpret a primary source?

In this 1778 newspaper, Governor Richard Caswell prohibits the exportation of salt, corn, pork, bacon, and other provisions outside of North Carolina, unless they are for the use of Army.

What can this document tell us about life for North Carolinians during the Revolutionary War?

Image: Snippet from The North Carolina Weekly Gazette, New Bern, 1778. Newspapers.com.

08/20/2026

Richard Caswell and the Revolutionary War Fighting Near Kinston (1781)

During the final years of the American Revolution, eastern North Carolina became one of the most contested regions in the Southern Theater. British strategy under General Charles Cornwallis focused on pushing inland from coastal strongholds, disrupting Patriot supply lines, and encouraging Loyalist uprisings. In response, North Carolina relied heavily on its militia system—local citizen-soldiers led by experienced commanders such as Richard Caswell, who served as major general of the North Carolina militia during this critical period.

The fighting near Kinston in 1781—often associated with the Battle of Kinston or engagements along Southwest Creek—was not a single large, decisive battle but rather a series of movements and skirmishes that reflected the fluid and chaotic nature of war in the Carolinas. These events occurred in what was then Dobbs County (later divided, with the area becoming part of modern Lenoir County), a region of rivers, swamps, farms, and scattered settlements that made military operations difficult but strategically important.

The Strategic Importance of Kinston

Kinston’s location along the Neuse River made it a natural corridor for movement and supply. Roads and waterways converged in the region, linking coastal ports with inland settlements. During the war, this made the area both vulnerable and strategically valuable. Whoever controlled movement through eastern North Carolina could influence supply chains, troop movements, and local allegiances.

In early 1781, British forces and their Loyalist allies moved through the region as part of broader efforts to destabilize Patriot control in the Carolinas. Skirmishes erupted as militia units attempted to slow or harass British detachments. These engagements were often brief but intense, shaped by terrain rather than formal battlefield lines.

Fighting Near Southwest Creek

The most referenced action in the Kinston area during this period occurred near Southwest Creek. Patriot militia forces, likely operating under broader North Carolina command structures that included Caswell’s oversight, attempted to contest British movement through the region.

The fighting involved small units engaging in rapid exchanges of fire, ambushes along roadways, and defensive positioning along natural barriers such as creeks and wooded areas. British forces, often better trained and more heavily armed, used coordinated advances to push back militia resistance. However, the militia’s familiarity with the terrain allowed them to strike quickly and withdraw before being decisively engaged.

Although these encounters did not result in a major strategic victory for either side, they played an important role in slowing British momentum. In the Southern Campaign, even minor delays could have significant consequences, affecting supply lines and coordination between British outposts.

Caswell’s Leadership Role

While Richard Caswell did not necessarily command every militia detachment in the field during the Kinston engagements, his influence was central to how North Carolina responded to British incursions. As major general of the militia, he was responsible for organizing the state’s defensive network, issuing calls to arms, and ensuring coordination between county militias.

Caswell’s leadership style emphasized practicality and local knowledge. He understood that militia forces were most effective when used to defend familiar territory rather than engage in prolonged set-piece battles against professional British troops. His approach reflected the broader realities of warfare in the South, where mobility and intelligence often mattered more than sheer numbers.

Caswell also served as a critical link between military operations and civil government. His dual experience as governor and general allowed him to coordinate political decisions with military needs, ensuring that supplies, manpower, and logistical support were directed where they were most needed.

The Broader Campaign in 1781

The Kinston area fighting occurred within a larger and increasingly pivotal year in the war. In March 1781, Greene’s forces fought Cornwallis at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a costly engagement for the British that weakened their army despite technically holding the field. This battle marked a turning point in the Southern Campaign.

Following Guilford Courthouse, Cornwallis shifted operations toward Virginia, eventually leading to the British defeat at Yorktown later that year. While the Kinston engagements were smaller in scale, they were part of the broader pattern of sustained resistance that helped stretch British resources and limit their ability to consolidate control over North Carolina.

Aftermath and Caswell’s Legacy

After the 1781 campaign, Richard Caswell eventually stepped back from active military command due to declining health, though he continued to serve North Carolina in political office, including a second term as governor beginning in 1785. He remained deeply involved in shaping the early government of the state he had helped bring into existence.

The fighting near Kinston illustrates the often-overlooked role of militia leaders in the Revolutionary War. While major battles and famous generals dominate historical memory, much of the war in North Carolina was fought in small, local engagements like those along Southwest Creek. Leaders such as Caswell ensured that even in moments of British advance, organized resistance continued.

(Photo taken from: https://www.carolana.com/NC/Revolution/revolution_kingston_1.html we do not own any rights to it.)

08/14/2026

School starts soon for Lenoir County! And we look forward to seeing you soon!

As you prepare for another school year, DNCR is here for you. Our new Educator Resource page has valuable information to enhance your professional development and inspire your students.

Visit dncr.k12.nc.gov for a full list of resources!
CSS Neuse Civil War Museum

08/13/2026

August 13 – Governor Richard Caswell and the Battle of Camden

Governor Richard Caswell played an important, though often overlooked, role in the Battle of Camden, one of the Continental Army's greatest defeats during the American Revolution.

When Caswell's first term as governor ended in April 1780, North Carolina faced one of the darkest moments of the Revolution. Earlier that spring, the British had captured Charleston, South Carolina, taking thousands of American soldiers prisoner and securing control of much of the South. With British forces advancing into the Carolinas, the North Carolina General Assembly elected Caswell major general of the state militia and charged him with organizing and leading the state's citizen soldiers.

Caswell joined the Southern Army under General Horatio Gates, the celebrated hero of Saratoga. Gates's army included experienced Continental soldiers from Maryland and Delaware alongside large numbers of Virginia and North Carolina militia. Many of these militia had little formal military training, lacked proper equipment, and had never fought in a major battle.

On the night of August 15, 1780, the American and British armies unexpectedly met while marching near Camden, South Carolina. Both sides halted and prepared for battle at daybreak.

When fighting began on August 16, Gates placed the veteran Continental troops on the right and the Virginia and North Carolina militia—including Caswell's command—on the left. Opposing them were seasoned British regulars under Lord Charles Cornwallis.

The British attacked with fixed bayonets, a tactic that proved devastating. Many militia soldiers had no bayonets of their own and little experience facing a bayonet charge. The Virginia militia broke first, and panic quickly spread through much of the North Carolina line. Despite Caswell's efforts to rally his men, the militia collapsed, exposing the Continental troops on the American right. The Maryland and Delaware soldiers fought stubbornly but were eventually surrounded and forced to retreat. The Battle of Camden became one of the most crushing American defeats of the Revolutionary War.

Caswell escaped capture and immediately focused on rebuilding North Carolina's military forces. He gathered surviving militia units, restored order where possible, and coordinated the withdrawal of soldiers back into North Carolina. His leadership preserved experienced officers and militiamen who continued defending the state throughout the remainder of the war.

The defeat at Camden had lasting consequences. General Gates's reputation was destroyed, and Congress replaced him with General Nathanael Greene. Greene adopted a more flexible strategy that relied on mobility, cooperation with militia leaders, and avoiding large-scale pitched battles. Combined with the efforts of commanders such as Daniel Morgan and North Carolina militia leaders, Greene's approach gradually shifted the momentum of the Southern Campaign and helped lead to the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781.

The campaign also took a personal toll on Caswell. The physical demands of military service, combined with years of political leadership, weakened his health. In September 1780, illness forced him to step away from command temporarily, though he later returned to public and military service.

Governor Richard Caswell's actions at Camden demonstrate his lifelong dedication to North Carolina. Whether serving as governor, legislator, military commander, or statesman, he repeatedly answered his state's call during its greatest challenges. Although Camden ended in defeat, Caswell's leadership and perseverance reflected the resilience that sustained the Patriot cause until final victory.

08/06/2026

Today's TBT post is on the Dobbs County Militia. Lenoir county was once called Dobbs county. This is just some information on the unit during the Revolution. Caswell was one of the commanding officers of the unit. Pictured is a reenacting group, portraying Dobbs County Militia. You can see them at our FREE Mustering the Militia event November 21, 2026 from 10am-3pm.

The Dobbs County Militia in the American Revolution.

The Dobbs County Militia played an important role in eastern North Carolina during the American Revolution, serving as one of the region’s key local defense forces in a time of war, uncertainty, and divided loyalties.

Formed under colonial militia laws, the Dobbs County Militia was made up of local men—farmers, landowners, laborers, and tradesmen—who were required to serve when called upon. These citizen-soldiers were organized into companies led by community officers and trained locally, often with limited supplies and equipment. Despite these challenges, they became an essential part of North Carolina’s Revolutionary War defense system.

In 1776, the militia system was tested during the Patriot victory at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, which weakened Loyalist activity across eastern North Carolina. Leaders such as Richard Caswell, who helped command Patriot forces, influenced the organization and coordination of county militias like Dobbs County’s in the early war years.

After 1776, Dobbs County militiamen were frequently called upon to protect their home region. Their duties included guarding supply routes, responding to Loyalist raids, and maintaining order in a county where Patriot and Loyalist sentiment often clashed. In many cases, militia service meant defending neighbors from internal threats rather than fighting formal battles.

As the war expanded into the South in 1780, the militia faced new pressures. British strategy shifted toward disrupting the Carolinas through raids and encouraging Loyalist uprisings. While major Continental Army defeats such as the Battle of Camden shook Patriot forces, local militias like Dobbs County’s continued to serve as the first line of defense on the home front.

Militia members were also essential to intelligence gathering and communication between local communities and state leaders. Their knowledge of the terrain and population made them especially effective in tracking movement and responding quickly to threats.
Although they rarely fought in large, formal battles, the Dobbs County Militia’s contributions were vital to sustaining the Patriot cause. Their service ensured that eastern North Carolina remained largely under Patriot control and that agricultural production and local governance continued during wartime disruption.

By the end of the Revolution, the Dobbs County Militia had fulfilled its mission: protecting its communities, supporting Continental forces when possible, and helping maintain stability in a region shaped by both external invasion threats and internal conflict.
Today, the history of the Dobbs County Militia reminds us that the American Revolution was not only fought by famous generals and large armies, but also by ordinary citizens who stepped forward to defend their homes, their neighbors, and the future of a new nation.

(Fun fact: Dobbs County, North Carolina, was established in 1758 during the colonial period and played an important role in eastern North Carolina’s Revolutionary-era history as a largely rural agricultural region. After the American Revolution, shifting population growth, political changes, and administrative reorganization led to its division in 1791, when the western portion became Lenoir County. This change reflected the growth of local communities around the Neuse River and the need for more accessible county government. The Caswell family and other prominent landholding families were closely tied to this region, which remained a center of plantation agriculture, local governance, and Revolutionary War memory.)

07/30/2026

Instead of a typical TBT post, we wanted to just say……..

🎉 Happy Birthday, Governor Richard Caswell! 🎉

Today we celebrate the birth of Governor Richard Caswell, born on August 3, 1729, a founding father of North Carolina and the state's first governor after independence.

Caswell's life was one of extraordinary service. He helped draft North Carolina's first Constitution, led Patriot forces to victory at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, served two terms as governor, and continued to defend the state as a military leader during the American Revolution. His leadership helped guide North Carolina through its earliest and most challenging years as an independent state.

One of Caswell's most lasting contributions was his belief in balanced government. As governor, he issued North Carolina's first executive pardon, helping define the powers of the office while demonstrating that justice could be tempered with mercy.
Nearly three centuries after his birth, Richard Caswell's legacy lives on through the institutions he helped build and the freedoms he worked to secure.

Join us in wishing Governor Richard Caswell a happy birthday by visiting the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Site and discovering the remarkable story of one of North Carolina's greatest Revolutionary leaders.

🎂 Happy 297th Birthday, Governor Caswell! Thank you for your service to North Carolina and the nation.

07/23/2026

Our next segment of our TBT posts is on the wives of Governor Richard Caswell. A few things to note, there are multiple ways to spell his first wife's last name. There is also no known portrait of any of his wives. The photo supplied is copyrighted to PBS and Ken Burns' American Revolution documentary. All credit goes to them.

The Wives of Richard Caswell

Mary Mackilwean Caswell (c. 1731–1757) was the first wife of Governor Richard Caswell and the daughter of James Mackilwean, North Carolina's Surveyor General. Around 1745, the young Richard Caswell apprenticed under James Mackilwean, beginning a relationship that led to his marriage to Mary on April 21, 1752, at the family's Tower Hill plantation near present-day Kinston.

Mary and Richard had three children. Their first and third daughters died in infancy, while their son, William Caswell (1754–1784), became a Continental Army officer, North Carolina adjutant general, state legislator, and planter.

Just three days after the birth of her youngest daughter, Mary died from childbirth complications on February 7, 1757, at about 25 years of age. She was buried in the Caswell Family Cemetery at the Red House plantation, now part of the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Site.

Although little is known about her personal life, Mary played an important role during the early years of Richard Caswell's career. Her father's mentorship helped launch Caswell's public service, and her son went on to become a distinguished Revolutionary War officer. Because she died nearly twenty years before Caswell became governor, Mary was never North Carolina's First Lady.

Sarah Herritage Caswell (1740–1794) was the second wife of Governor Richard Caswell, North Carolina's first governor after independence, and served as the state's first and fifth First Lady during his nonconsecutive terms from 1776–1780 and 1785–1787. Although few records document her personal activities, she played an essential role in supporting one of North Carolina's most influential Revolutionary-era families.

Born in Craven County around 1740, Sarah was the daughter of William Herritage, a prominent lawyer, planter, and colonial official, and Susannah Moore. She grew up in one of eastern North Carolina's leading families, surrounded by the political and legal affairs that shaped the colony before the American Revolution.

On June 20, 1758, Sarah married Richard Caswell following the death of his first wife, Mary Mackilwean. Together they had eight children, while Sarah also became stepmother to Caswell's surviving son from his first marriage. Throughout Richard Caswell's military and political career, she managed their household and plantations, including Newington near present-day Kinston.

During the American Revolution, Sarah maintained the family's home while her husband served as a military commander and later as governor. With Richard frequently away on public business, she oversaw the upbringing of their children and the daily operations of their plantation. Like many women of the Revolutionary era, her contributions were largely domestic but were vital to her family's stability during years of war and political uncertainty.

As North Carolina's first First Lady, Sarah helped establish a role that had no formal precedent. Living in New Bern while it served as the state capital, she managed the governor's household and likely welcomed visitors, legislators, and military leaders. Although little survives describing her public responsibilities, her support allowed Governor Caswell to focus on leading the new state during one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Following Richard Caswell's first governorship, the family returned to Newington while he continued serving North Carolina in military and legislative roles. When he was elected governor again in 1785, Sarah resumed her responsibilities as First Lady during the state's postwar recovery.

After Richard Caswell died in 1789, Sarah remained at Newington, managing family affairs until her own death in 1794. She was buried beside her husband in the Caswell Family Cemetery near present-day Kinston, where their graves remain part of the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Site.

Sarah Herritage Caswell's legacy reflects the often-overlooked contributions of women during the American Revolution. While history remembers her primarily as the wife of a founding governor, her work in raising a large family, managing plantations, and maintaining the governor's household provided the stability that enabled Richard Caswell's public service.

Today, she is remembered as North Carolina's first First Lady and an important member of one of the state's founding families.