Customer Reviews

The Highland Scots of North Carolina, 1732-1776

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This book has excellent information on where my line came from in the Highlands. The description of the economy, the living conditions, the government and clan disharmony, as well as the religion question, all provide a good picture of where our Scots came from and the conditions of their lives. My McRae family came to Carolina in 1774, so this timeline used in this book covered the years preceding, as well as a few following their immigration. I was very interested in the motives for migration. This provided many more than I had previously read about. Because the years led directly into our revolution, it is especially relevant to read this information on the Scots question whether to serve as loyalist or as revolutionary. This proved, as well as disproved several theories which are in print. I appreciate having this book in my reference library. It has more specific descriptive information about the Scots' living conditions both in Scotland and in North Carolina than any other source I have consulted.

This account of the Highlanders and particularly of my ancestor, Alexander McAllister, and the role he played was most informative. I was not familiar with the details of their mid 18th century migration to America. For other researchers, information can also be gained by accessing the web page for Clan McAlister of America. Of course, the name has been spelled different ways, but this is the same Clan. Thanks so much, Duane Meyer, for your research!

For those interested in the who, how, and why of the many different groups who emigrated from afar to become early Americans, this book provides the reader with an in-depth look at one of those groups, the Highland Scots. I bought this book as a reference into the lives of early Americans in NC for the purpose of writing fact based historical fiction, and was disappointed only by the fact that only a very specific part of NC and short time period is covered. However, there are many details about every aspect of the lives of these Highland Scots - their political and religious allegiance (you'll be shocked to see that they were actually supporters of King George III, and will learn why); how they participated in trade, and what they grew and sold, as well as how (transportation) and what they bought; how they interacted with neighbors and other ethnic groups; how and why they settled where they did, and much more. You will also learn about specific Highland Scots who have many descendents alive in NC and other areas today. If you are interested in the details of Highland Scots immigrants in the Cape Fear area during this time period, then this book is for you.