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.

Wilmington District included the counties of Bladen, Brunswick, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, and Onslow.

In 1776, John Ashe, of New Hanover County, 1720-1781, was appointed by the Provincial Congress to command the militia of the Wilmington District.