Opinion
KICKLER: The lost state of Franklin
You may be familiar with the Civil War story of the Free State of Jones and Newton Knight. The 2016 movie popularized the account. But have you heard of the 1780s “Lost” State of Franklin? […]
Troy Kickler
Article
KICKLER: “Fire, fire on them or on me!”
Gov. William Tryon issued this order on May 16, 1771. He was frustrated with his reluctant North Carolina militia, most from the eastern part of the state, who had ignored his first command to fire […]
Opinion
KICKLER: What’s in a (county) name?
A list of names can be, well, simply a list of names. The list can also provide keys that unlock a rich history. Let’s explore the roots of a few N.C. counties. Many of today’s […]
Opinion
Meaningful arguments must go beyond persuasive emotional responses
Ever known an uncooperative grump? Ever made the mistake of engaging a cantankerous person on Aisle 5 in a department store with a simple friendly “hello”? Ever worked with an ornery and cynical colleague, who […]
Opinion
KICKLER: Many solutions can be found closer to home
The idea of finding community solutions to big problems is gaining more and more traction. Although there are many similarities among Americans, we live in a vast land that contains diverse communities. America’s educational, health […]
Opinion
KICKLER: Viewing history through the wrong lens
Many times, writing about the history of ideas can do more damage than good. Why? People wear the wrong glasses when looking at the past. I’m referring specifically to those glasses with anachronistic lenses. With […]
Opinion
N.C.’s Reconstruction Constitution has a 150-year impact
Although there have been scores of state constitutional amendments since 1776, the Old North State has adopted only 3 state constitutions. As part of the over 1,500 page tome, North Carolina Government, 1584-1974: A Narrative […]
Opinion
KICKLER: Should newspapers return to their partisan roots?
Lately whenever I watch press conferences, I often hear reporters making statements in the form of a question. Sometimes, reporters even become argumentative. Of course, there are the accusations of “fake news” because we’ve come […]
Opinion
North Carolina’s history helps us to be rather than to seem
Recently I was asked: Why should one emphasize North Carolina’s cultural and political history? Here are some answers. The study of North Carolina can help North Carolinians understand who they are. Many people are interested […]
Opinion
To celebrate the N.C. Constitution, read it
This year marks the sesquicentennial anniversary of the 1868 North Carolina Constitution. Although there were conventions that drastically changed the state’s constitution in 1835 and 1875, the Old North State has had three constitutions: 1776, […]