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The People of
Colonial North Carolina

At the start of the American Revolution, diverse groups of people called North Carolina home. Differences in culture, religion, and social background shaped their thoughts and actions during the war.

Loyalists believed the colonies should remain under British rule. In contrast, rebels, known as Patriots, fought to separate the colonies from British control. Still, others followed their religious convictions and attempted to remain neutral. The American Revolution was a complex struggle for freedom and self-determination for many North Carolinians. This exhibit explores their stories.

Visit the museum to see seven unique banners highlighting North Carolinians during the American Revolution located throughout the Back Shop and Roundhouse. The banners will be on display through the end of 2026.

America 250 Semiquincentennial Programs

Explore North Carolina’s early transportation story through a three-part presentation series held in conjunction with America 250 Semiquincentennial events taking place throughout 2026. Scheduled for March, April, and May, the series will highlight railroad development and construction prior to 1860, the origins and use of the Nissen wagon, originally produced in Winston-Salem, and how supplies were moved during the Revolutionary War.

Each presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude after one hour. This is a free event that does not require museum admission, but all attendees must pre-register for this presentation. A shuttle bus will be in operation before and after the presentation to transport attendees from parking lot to designated building.

“Wheel Ruts to Iron Rails”
A250 Presentation

Thursday, March 26

7:00 p.m.
The development of railroads revolutionized the movement of people and goods across the United States and remains a vital chapter in our nation’s story. Discover how early horse-drawn carriages running on metal straps evolved into steam-powered locomotives and iron rails in the late 1820s in England and America. Trace the rapid advancements in locomotive design from the 1830s through the 1850s, as expanding rail lines connected the North and South and opened pathways into the western territories.
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This presentation is hosted by Larry Neal, who served several years as a railroad researcher and historian at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. If you need assistance or have any questions before registering, contact Larry Neal at larry.neal@dncr.nc.gov or 704-636-2889.

This presentation will start in the museum’s Roundhouse Orientation Room and include a brief walk through the building.

Register Here

“Logistics of Liberty”
A250 Presentation

Thursday, April 16

7:00 p.m.
During the American Revolution, supplying the Continental Army was one of its greatest challenges, and moving provisions from place to place was a constant struggle. The critical role of rough roads, winding rivers, and thousands of draft animals is often overlooked in the story of the Revolution. Discover how hundreds of North Carolinians were called into service to transport essential goods across the state and beyond.
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Join Nathan Schultz for a fascinating presentation on this lesser-known side of the Revolution, including his own experiences portraying an ox driver along part of Henry Knox’s historic route through hands-on interpretation of teamster work. If you need assistance or have any questions before registering, contact Matthew McCarthy at matthew.mccarthy@dncr.nc.gov or 704-605-6282.

This presentation will be held in the museum’s Roundhouse Orientation Room.

Register Here

“History of the Nissen Wagon Works in NC”
A250 Presentation

Thursday, May 14

7:00 p.m.
Nissen Wagon Works began operation in 1834 and stopped operations in the 1940s. Founded by John Philip Nissen, the company produced many wagons that were used for agricultural and general transport. Nissen was located near Waughton, which is now a part of the city of Winston-Salem. Learn about the company and the height of production, which at the time Nissen produced up to 50 wagons daily and became one of the South’s largest manufacturers at the height of production.
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This presentation is hosted by Larry Neal, who has served several years as a historian at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. If you need assistance or have any questions before registering, contact Larry Neal at larry.neal@dncr.nc.gov or 704-636-2889.

This presentation will be held in the museum’s Back Shop building near the wagon exhibit.

Register Here