Our Commission's Purpose:
"To advance a clear, unbiased history of North Carolina’s role during America’s War Between the States,
1861-1865. Avoiding a social and class perspective of history and concentrating on the leaders, people, politics,
heroic sacrifices and wartime suffering, this website will provide a more telling story of why North Carolinians
were “forced out of the Union,” and pursued self-determination and political
independence for a second time in 85 years.
The North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission is comprised of private citizens
from across our State. A volunteer endeavor, the Commission receives no State or Federal government
funding, and is thus well-positioned to present an honest and trustworthy portrayal of North Carolinians
and their experiences during that crucial period of American history."
The Commission greatly appreciates private contributions to advance our research and fund this website.
Please send contributions to the Cape Fear Historical Institute, POB 328, Wilmington, NC 28402;
To comment please email the editor at: bernhard1848@gmail.com
The Sesquicentennial Commission:
Bernhard Thuersam, Chairman
Wilmington, North Carolina
Daniel Bolick, Vice Chairman
Commander, North Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
Claremont, North Carolina
Thomas Smith, Jr.
Past Commander, North Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
Raleigh, North Carolina
Bruce Tyson
Past Commander, North Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Frank Powell
Past Commander, North Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Mitchell Scott Flinchum
Burlington, North Carolina
E. Randolph Williams
Snow Hill, North Carolina
Steven Kropelnicki, Jr. Esq.
Asheville, North Carolina
Kelly Atkins Hinson
Sanford, North Carolina
Michael C. Tuggle
Charlotte, North Carolina
James Isaac Metts
Hampstead, North Carolina
Peter J. Kauffman
Southern Pines, North Carolina
Brock Townsend
Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Wayne Newnam
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Carlton Huffman
Granite Falls, North Carolina
Marcus Norton
Laurel Hill, North Carolina
Brenda Chambers McKean
Timberlake, North Carolina
Thomas Jolly
Tabor City, North Carolina
Keith Jones
Graham, North Carolina
Mike Ross
Duck, North Carolina
W.S. Jackson
Godwin, North Carolina
Benajah Eure
Angier, North Carolina
Hosea M. Ray
Fayetteville, North Carolina
The Sesquicentennial Academic Board:
Dr. Clyde N. Wilson
Professor Emeritus, University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Boyd Cathey
Wendell, North Carolina
Dr. Kearney Smith
Burnsville, North Carolina
Copyright 2011, The North Carolina War Between the States Sesquicentennial Commission