First in Freedom: North Carolina and the American Revolution 

APP STATE Presents A lecture by Dr. Karl Campbell The state of North Carolina had the American Revolution in mind when it authorized our license plates to read “first in freedom.” Given the more prominent roles played by other states--such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia—on what basis does North Carolina make this claim, and how does it hold up under historical scrutiny?  

Dr. Campbell,  will reexamine the stories, controversies, and ongoing debates about the Ol’ North State’s contribution to the American Revolution. This lecture will suggest that the events of 250 years ago are not just a patriotic history to celebrate but a sacred obligation to fulfill. 

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Karl Campbell is a professor of history at App State, where he teaches North Carolina and recent United States history. Originally from Ohio, he received his B.A. degree in history and political science from Warren Wilson College in Asheville and his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from UNC-Chapel Hill. Campbell’s book Senator Sam Ervin, Last of the Founding Fathers won the North Carolinian Society Book of the Year Award for 2007. He has written numerous articles on civil rights, civil liberties, and North Carolina political culture, one of which was awarded the Connor Prize for the best article published in the North Carolina Historical Review. Campbell is presently working on a biography tentatively titled Governor Luther H. Hodges: Carolina at the Crossroads. He was inducted into the App State College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers, and the university presented him with the App State Transforming North Carolina Research Award.