Jun 3

Jun 3 James Moore Could Have Been an American Hero

James Moore was one of the first men chosen to lead North Carolinian troops when the Revolutionary War broke out.

Although Moore had great success early on at Moore’s Creek Bridge, his early death was a gigantic loss for the Americans.

James Moore

By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, James Moore had already established himself as an important leader in the North Carolina militia.

Reared in one of the wealthiest families in his colony, Moore’s joining of the Patriot Cause led to his immediate commission as a Colonel.

He was given command of the 1st North Carolina Line, a decision which caused a small bit of friction between James and his brother in law, John Ashe, who also wanted the position.

Moore’s Creek Bridge

Although he wasn’t present for the event, James Moore organized the operations which led to the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge.

Moore placed the men under Richard Caswell and Alexander Lillington strategically to encounter a large group of Loyalists at the Bridge and they successfully defeated their opponent.

In approximately three minutes, the Patriots took 850 prisoners with only one casualty suffered.

Brigadier General

Due to his outstanding early success, Moore was promoted to Brigadier General in the Continental Army.

He was tasked with defending North Carolina and spent most of the following year recruiting men and raising funds for supplies.

Eventually, when Charles Lee was recalled north to join the Main Army, James Moore took over as Commander of the Southern Department.

Too Soon

Unfortunately, Moore’s time leading the Southern Department was short-lived.

James died at just 40 years old of “gout in his stomach” just a few months after assuming command of the Southern Department.

Interestingly, although he did not participate directly in any battles, his loss was greatly mourned. Most of his contemporaries expected him to rise and become one of the most important Generals in the Continental Army and his unexpected death was seen as a huge blow to the young nation.

Here are some other FOUNDERS WHO DIED BEFORE THEIR TIME:

Haym Salomon - The Jew Who Saved The American Revolution

Samuel Hardy Nominates a Minister

John Laurens Joins Washington’s Family

North Carolina’s place in the Revolutionary War is fascinating.

‘North Carolina in the American Revolution’ is exactly as the title implies…a discussion of this central State’s importance in the War.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).