Continuing my "Stump the Historian" series today.
Last week, I spoke at the Iredell County Public Library, and the claim of the
Vance House as the last North Carolina Confederate capital was brought up.
According to an early linen postcard, the Vance House was the "Former
Capital of North Carolina During Vance's Occupancy."
Hmm, the only problem with that claim is that Vance had
already abdicated his position as governor before he got to Statesville.
On April 12, 1865, Vance left Raleigh, and by April 13, was
meeting with Generals Johnston, Hampton, and Secretaries Regan and Breckinridge
in Greensboro. Vance eventually went on to confer with Jefferson Davis in
Charlotte, but returned to Greensboro and attempted to contact General Sherman.
Sherman had already left North Carolina, and Vance had to deal with General
John M. Schofield. Vance offered to surrender on April 27, but Schofield told
him to go home. Vance issued a proclamation on April 28, calling for a return
to social peace and an end to the strife caused by the war. It was his last
official act. Instead of returning to Raleigh, Vance went to Statesville. He
had sent his family to Statesville on the approach of Sherman towards Raleigh.
When Stoneman approached the town, Vance's family fled to Lincolnton. Just when
they returned, I have not found. Vance arrived in Statesville on May 4 and was
in Statesville when he was arrested on May 13, 1865.
W. W. Holden, who was Vance's political rival, and who was
appointed Governor of North Carolina by US President Andrew Johnson on May 29,
1865, firmly believed that once Vance left Raleigh, he relinquished his
position as governor.
In looking through various biographies on Vance, I can find
nothing that states that he attempted to conduct the business of the state from
the house he rented in Statesville. He was only there for nine days before his
arrest and transfer to the Old Capital Prison in Washington, D. C.
So, I would argue that Statesville did not serve as a
capital of North Carolina. Thoughts?
I live in statesville. My family has lived here for over 150 years I believe that you are correct and that the Vance house has been used as a draw for attention. The house has even been moved a mile from its original location and is in terrible disrepair.
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