The Crucial Role of North Carolina During the American Revolution

Historians often miss the importance of the Old North State in the American War of Independence. Until Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, however, 1781 had looked like a frustrating, stalemate year for the patriot cause—largely due to the Continental Army’s huge thorn-in-the-side lodged in coastal North Carolina. Suzanne Adair, author of an award-winning mystery series set during the American Revolution in North Carolina, discusses the British Army’s audacious, confident gambit for North Carolina that tied the hands of Continental commanders during most of 1781, nearly costing patriots their victory.

Award-winning novelist Suzanne Adair is a Florida native who lives in North Carolina. Her mysteries transport readers to the Southern theater of the American Revolution, where she brings historic towns, battles, and people to life. She fuels her creativity with Revolutionary War reenacting and visits to historic sites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and hiking. She is the recipient of a Professional Development Grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. In 2018, she was appointed by North Carolina’s Daughters of the American Revolution to a state-wide committee formed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to help share information about and coordinate events of America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary. For more information, visit http://www.SuzanneAdair.net/.