In 1776 what is now known as the American Revolution, or War of Independence, was officially declared. Fortunately, the men who decided to place their names upon the Declaration of Independence were successful in their endeavors to become free of Great Britain’s direct rule. The Highland Scots who immigrated to North Carolina and surrounding locations were not so successful when they attempted to do the same thing at least twice before.

The signers of the Declaration knew they would die horrible deaths if they lost this gamble. One item of note; the infamous co-author (and initial instigator) of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton, did not sign the Declaration of Independence.