[2] Within the Hillsborough District in 1775 were the counties of Caswell, Chatham, Granville, Orange, Randolph (added in 1779), and Wake.

The six districts, which corresponded with old judicial organizations, were: Edenton, New Bern, Wilmington, Halifax, Salisbury, and Hillsborough.

These districts were used to organize the North Carolina Minutemen battalions for a six-month trial as state troops, beginning on September 1, 1775.

[1] As the militia had a poor reputation for turning out, bounties to induce volunteerism were common during the war.

[3] Brigadier General Thomas Person was appointed the first commander of the Hillsborough District Brigade in 1776.

During the 1781 Battle of Guilford Court House, the Hillsborough District was commanded by John Butler.

The other four divisions, of each company, drew lots to determine the rotation they would follow for their tour of service, which usually lasted for three months.

In order to provide a greater pool of available manpower, the old colonial militia exemption list was revised.

[8] The Chatham County Regiment was a unit of the North Carolina militia that served during the American Revolution.

The colonels included:[15] The North Carolina Council of State authorized Col Taylor to create the Mounted Volunteers Regiment of Cavalry in August 1780.

The colonels included:[21] Militia from the Hillsborough District participated in nearly all of the important southern campaigns and engagements.

Orange County militia were particularly involved in engagements including Stono Creek, Charleston, Camden, Cowpens, Cowan's Ford, Clapp's Mill, Guilford Court House, and Lindley's Mill.