In the American Revolution, Cornelius Harnett's reputation for rebellion preceded him.
A ubiquitous name in local politics on the eve of the war and a well-known merchant, Harnett established himself as a defender of the state's identity.
He would gain such prominence that it's his signature on the document the declared North Carolina's independence from the British, making him one of the crown's most wanted patriots in the south.
While his death at the hands of the enemy was tragic, his story lives on 200 years later – even though he's still a somewhat unsung hero.
This week's episode explores his life and legacy with local history Chris E. Fonvielle Jr.
Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish.
Season three is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry and Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning.
Sources:
-- "Harnett, Hooper and Howe: Revolutionary Leaders of the Lower Cape Fear," by Alan Watson, Dennis Lawson and Donald Lennon
-- "Cornelius Harnett: A Revolutionary Patriot," by Andrew Howell
-- "Cornelius Harnett: An Essay in North Carolina History," by R.D.W. Connors
-- "The Book of Wilmington," by Andrew J. Howell
Christmas shopping in the downtown Wilmington of yesteryear
Film documentary 'McKinley's Guns' digs into 1898 coup
'Race, Place and Memory': Wilmington's troubled racial history
When Shell Island was an island, and a Black beach resort
Revisiting The Barn: a legendary Wilmington jazz club and dance hall
A brief history of Eagles Island and Wilmington's 'west bank'
Wilmington corner stores, gone but not forgotten
Roots of the GOAT: Michael Jordan's history in Wilmington
Train tracking: The lost Wilmington, Brunswick & Southern Railroad
Losing, and preserving, Black historic sites in Wilmington
Photographic memories: Wilmington's history in photos
Wilmington's Temple of Israel: storied past, building a future
The curious case of the Christmas flounder
Preserving history, one window and door at a time
Commemorating 1898, and the search for descendants
The bridges of New Hanover County
Ideal location: Wilmington film history and the Ideal Cement factory
Century club: Wilmington's 100-year-old businesses
Wilmington goes to the movies: bygone theaters and drive-ins
Historic Wilmington Foundation takes the past into the future
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
The Rest Is History
Lore