Governor Josh Stein serves as North Carolina’s 76th chief executive, but who was the first person to hold the office? That honor belongs to Richard Caswell, first elected by the Provincial Congress in December 1776, just five months after the American colonies declared independence from Great Britain. In addition to serving a total of 6 one-year terms as governor, Caswell was a key military leader during the American Revolution.
Governor Caswell’s extraordinary service to our fledgling state and nation will be honored at the Caswell Memorial State Historic Site on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Caswell Memorial is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).
Throughout the day, members of the Dobbs County Militia reenactment group will bring the Revolutionary War era to life with authentic military encampments, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, and interactive displays. Visitors will learn about 18th-century flintlock firearms and experience the sights, sounds, and smell of black powder demonstrations. Guests will also discover what daily life was like for Patriot soldiers and civilians. Costumed historical interpreters will demonstrate how soldiers prepared meals with limited supplies and how women and other civilians supported the war effort through sewing, weaving, cooking, nursing, and other essential skills. The event is free to attend.
At 11 a.m., the Moseley-Bright Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the General George Washington Chapter of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution will host a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Governor Caswell and his son William, an officer during the American Revolution. Held at the Caswell gravesites, the program will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the office of Governor of North Carolina and reflect on Richard Caswell’s leadership during the Revolutionary era.
"The story of Richard Caswell is the story of North Carolina's journey to independence," said site manager Matthew Young. "This event offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to experience history firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who helped shape our state and nation 250 years ago."
About the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial
The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial honors the life and achievements of North Carolina's first state governor through exhibits featuring Revolutionary War artifacts, period reproductions, and interpretive displays. The memorial stands on land that was once part of the Caswell family's historic Red House Plantation. The adjacent Caswell family cemetery, the only remaining portion of the original plantation, is owned by the Mosely-Bright Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and administered by the North Carolina State Historic Sites program. The Governor Richard Caswell Memorial is located at 2612 West Vernon Avenue in Kinston, N.C. For more information, please call 252-522-2091 or visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/css-neuse-and-gov-caswell-memorial/governor-richard-caswell.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.