Skip to Main Content
Preview

Homegrown History

In North Carolina, the American Revolution looked more like a civil war—with neighbors fighting neighbors and families torn apart. This history is rarely in the textbooks. We visit rural counties throughout the state, go deep into local archives and listen to communities who share their stories for the first time. Join us as we uncover Revolutionary War stories unlike any we’ve ever heard.

Homegrown History is presented by your local public television station.

Sponsored in part by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union.

Zachariah Jacobs (Holmes)

Video has Closed Captions

Uncover the story of Zachariah Jacobs, a Revolutionary War hero of color nearly lost to time. (12m 44s)

The Pine That Powered an Empire

Video has Closed Captions

North Carolina’s longleaf pine powered the British Empire. Then it fueled a revolt. (13m 19s)

Neighbor vs. Neighbor

Video has Closed Captions

Two neighbors caught in a Revolution so personal, historians call it America’s first civil war. (13m 53s)

The Lumbee’s Fight for Freedom

Video has Closed Captions

The untold chapter of the Lumbee Tribe’s 250-year fight for freedom. (14m 2s)

Indigenous Patriots in the Continental Army

Video has Closed Captions

How a patriot from the Sappony tribe survived Valley Forge and secured his people’s future. (13m 43s)

Currituck Jack

Video has Closed Captions

Discover how an enslaved ship captain became a Revolutionary War hero but was almost forgotten. (13m 32s)

The Coalfields That Built a Nation

Video has Closed Captions

How forgotten coalfields along NC’s Deep River powered the fight for American independence. (13m 28s)

After the Victory of Kings Mountain

Video has Closed Captions

The forgotten story of the families who lost at the Battle of Kings Mountain. (13m 51s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship

Support for PBS provided by:

Homegrown History is presented by your local public television station.

Sponsored in part by SECU Foundation, funded by the members of State Employees’ Credit Union.

or

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Discover More from PBS

Watch Without WHUT Passport

  • Stream the latest episodes of your favorite shows on PBS.org and the PBS app
  • Enjoy Live TV from WHUT
  • Catch up on news and public affairs

Watch MORE with WHUT Passport

Donate $5 per month or $60 per year and:

  • Get extended access to even more episodes
  • Watch full seasons of most popular shows
  • Stream early releases and other exclusive content

Your donation goes to your local station!

Get Passport

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?