Colonial and Revolutionary War Things to Do

North Carolina's colonial and Revolutionary War era history is rich and deep. From royal Governor Josiah Martin's flee from Tryon Palace in the middle of the night to his predecessor's putting down of a rebellion of backcountry farmers near Burlington to the irreplaceable contributions of Revolutionary War heroines like Martha Bell, this period of our history has so many fascinating stories to tell.

Come celebrate the revolutionary spirit that flows through North Carolina's early history and discover this fascinating period of Tar Heel history with us!

Explore History Through Art

The N.C. Museum of Art's American art collection features several paintings and sculpture from the late colonial period and Revolutionary War period, including three imposing portraits by John Singleton Copley, the country’s first great artist.

A visit to the collection is great way to explore several of the themes dominant in our nation's early history, including the celebration of wilderness and the search for a national identity.

Experience American History Through Art at NCMA

Twenty state historic sites and parks tell stories from North Carolina's colonial and Revolutionary history. From the clash between the Cherokee and British commemorated at Fort Dobbs to the story of early Tar Heel governors preserved at Tryon Palace there's so much to explore. We've spotlighted three of our signature sites from the period directly below.

Scroll down to the map to see all the stories from this period to explore at our historic sites and parks.