Scotland County is a small county located in the southeastern part of North Carolina. Although it may be small in size, it has a rich history that is worth exploring. Here are seven interesting facts about Scotland County that you may not know.
1. Origin of the Name: Scotland County was named after Scotland, the ancestral home of the settlers who first made their homes in the area. The first European settlers in the region were Scottish Highlanders who arrived in the 1700s.
2. Revolutionary War: Scotland County played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. It was the site of the Battle of Raft Swamp, which took place on January 27, 1781. During the battle, Patriot forces led by Brigadier General James Moore defeated a group of Loyalists. The victory paved the way for the Patriots to take Wilmington only a few months later.
3. Lumbee Tribe: Scotland County is home to the Lumbee Tribe, one of the largest Native American tribes in North Carolina. The tribe has a long history of resistance, including fighting against the KKK in the 1950s and 1960s.
4. Railroad History: Scotland County played a critical role in the development of railroads in the South. The Wilmington and Manchester Railroad, which connected Fayetteville and Wilmington, began running through Scotland County in 1854. The railroad transformed the region's economy, allowing farmers to export their goods more easily.
5. Birthplace of Jazz Legend: Scotland County can also claim to be the birthplace of jazz legend John Coltrane. Coltrane was born in the small town of Hamlet in 1926. Although his family moved away when he was still a child, Coltrane often returned to visit the area throughout his life.
6. Early Women’s Suffrage: In 1903, Scotland County made history by becoming the first county in North Carolina to allow women to vote in a local election. Although it would be another 17 years before women were granted the right to vote in national elections, Scotland County paved the way for women's suffrage in the state.
7. Integration of Public Schools: Scotland County was also at the forefront of the movement to integrate public schools. In 1964, the county became one of the first in the South to adopt a desegregation plan for its schools. Despite significant resistance from white residents, the county's schools integrated peacefully.
Scotland County may be small, but it has played a significant role in the history of North Carolina and the United States. From its role in the Revolutionary War to its contributions to the civil rights movement, Scotland County has a rich and varied history that is worth exploring.
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