At the outbreak of the Revolution, the newly-formed North Carolina government divided the state into six military districts. These districts were each comprised of a number of counties surrounding a significant town.

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

Later, two additional districts were added, further dividing the mountainous western part of the state. Each district was to supply a brigade of militia regiments under the command of a brigadier general.

New Bern District included Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dobbs, Hyde, Johnston, and Pitt counties.

Richard Caswell was appointed Commander of the Minutemen of the New Bern District.