John Stanly killed Richard Dobbs Spaight, former governor of North Carolina, in a duel near this spot, September 5, 1802.
Topics Related to State Politics
Governor, 1836-41, the first in N.C. elected by popular vote, first president of Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Birthplace was 2 mi. W.
Privateersman, War of 1812, shipbuilder. As a State Senator he fought for the constitutional convention of 1835. His home was 3 miles south.
American precedent for judicial review of legislation set nearby, 1787, by Samuel Ashe, Samuel Spencer, John Williams.
A signer of the U.S. Constitution; governor, 1792-95. R. D. Spaight, Jr., governor, 1835-36. Graves two miles S.W.
Justice of N.C. Supreme Court, 1833-44; lawmaker. An advocate for state's Catholics. Wrote state song, "The Old North State." Lived 1 block N.
Historic Capitol and Governor's residence of N.C., 1770-1794. Burned 1798, and restored in 1952-1959. Open to the public. One block south.
Governor, 1889-91, state Adjutant General, 1863, Confederate officer, superior court judge, state legislator. His home stood here.
N.C. Supreme Court, 1830, reinforced power of slaveholding regime by overturning conviction of Mann (lived nearby) for shooting Lydia, enslaved.
N.C. Secretary of State, 1936-1989. Advocate for State Highway Patrol. Drafted Speaker Ban law in 1963. Born 2 ½ mi. S.