Brunswick Town Memorial Information
Thank you for visiting the Scottish Immigration Memorial at the BrunswickTown/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. Scroll down to find the answers to some of your questions!
Why is this cairn here?
​Brunswick Town was the “First Footing” for many early Highland Scottish Immigrants, with more than 20,000 stepping foot on American soil less than 100 yards from this spot. The Cape Fear area and the Scots who came here were fundamental in establishing the cultural and political foundations of North Carolina. It is the beginning of the North Carolina Scottish Immigration Trek, representing the journey of many of the first settlers. The stones around the base are actual ballast stones from Scotland.
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​A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a memorial. Cairns have been used throughout history in many cultures and can be found in various locations around the world. They serve a practical purpose, like guiding travelers or marking a significant spot, but can also have a symbolic or ceremonial meaning. They are common in areas where there aren't obvious paths to help people find their way.
Why Did They Leave Scotland?
The Highland Scots left Scotland for America for many reasons, including evictions (the Highland Clearances), economic ruin, political and religious repression, and the promise of land and opportunity in America. Their migration formed an important part of the Scottish diaspora, especially in areas like North Carolina and the Appalachian frontier.
When did they come?
The major migration of Scots from Scotland to North Carolina occurred between the 1730s and the early 1800s. The first wave began in 1739 with The Argyle Colony, granted land and support by Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston. Thousands arrived in the 1760s and early 1770s, often settling in communities where other Gaelic speakers already lived. Scottish immigration slowed after the American Revolutionary War, partly due to changing British emigration policies.
Why North Carolina?
​North Carolina, particularly the Cape Fear River Valley, offered cheap land, community, cultural freedom, and opportunity, all supported by a colonial government eager to welcome them. Highland Scots, many of whom were poor tenant farmers in Scotland, were attracted by the chance to own and farm their own land. Early settlers sent letters back to Scotland, encouraging others to join them. This created a chain migration effect, where families followed relatives or clan members. North Carolina became the most concentrated Highland Scottish settlement in colonial America.