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As of the date of the first significant battle within North Carolina during the American Revolution - the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776 - almost all North Carolina troops were in state. Col. Robert Howe and much of his 2nd NC Regiment were marching back from Virginia. The Minutemen and Militia of the Edenton District remained at home just in case the British returned to Norfolk, VA.

Col. Richard Caswell of the New Bern District Minutemen led a large contingent of Minutemen and Militia to meet up with Col. John Alexander Lillington of the Wilmington District Minutemen near the widow Moore's plantation in present-day Pender County. Col. James Moore and a good portion of his 1st NC Regiment positioned themselves at Rockfish Creek, about sixty miles up the Cape Fear River.

A total of 134 companies from 20 counties and five districts, directly or indirecty, participated in the famous battle of Moore's Creek Bridge on that fateful day. 66 other companies were on their way but were too late. Some of these were soon engaged in escorting prisoners to Halifax, NC, but most simply turned around and went back home.