'Witness' Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War

Interior view of Wilson Library's exhibition, “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence,” featuring display cases filled with Revolutionary War-era artifacts and documents, including a mannequin dressed in a Continental Army uniform. — “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence,” offer visitors a firsthand look at how the American Revolution divided communities across North Carolina and shaped the state's role in the nation's founding. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Wilson Library is hosting a new exhibition through Dec. 4.

“Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” explores how the American Revolution swept through North Carolina, splitting communities that had to decide whether they wanted American independence or to remain under British rule. Visitors will get a firsthand look at the state’s role in the Revolutionary War and its lasting impact.

Thanks to a collaboration between the University Library and the North Carolina Museum of History, the exhibit features well-preserved Revolutionary-era objects that serve as tangible witnesses to the historic struggle.

Take a peek at some of the incredible history now on display below.

A staff member arranges patriotic bunting on a blue exhibition wall in Wilson Library featuring framed photographs and historical images as part of the “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” exhibit.

Through artifacts, documents and historical objects, Wilson Library’s new exhibition explores the lasting impact of the Revolutionary War on North Carolina as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Close-up of a Revolutionary War military uniform featuring a brown coat with red facings, silver buttons and white crossbelts displayed as part of Wilson Library's “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” exhibition.

A recreated Revolutionary War uniform on display. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Interior view of Wilson Library’s “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” exhibition featuring historical display cases, patriotic decor and exhibit signage.

Located on the second floor of Wilson Library, “Witnesses to the Revolution” explores North Carolina’s experience during the Revolutionary War through historical artifacts and archival materials. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

The exhibition also examines how the Revolutionary War shaped North Carolina across lines of race, gender and freedom, highlighting the experiences of Black Americans and women during the fight for independence. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Framed historical and patriotic photographs line a blue exhibition wall decorated with red, white and blue bunting inside Wilson Library’s “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” exhibit.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the exhibition offers visitors a timely look at how generations of North Carolinians have remembered and commemorated the nation’s founding. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)