Lumbee Legend - Hamilton McMillan (Significant Contribution)

Hamilton McMillan was an important figure in the history of North Carolina, especially for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina in Robeson County.

 

Born in Cumberland County near Fayetteville, he was the only child of Mr. William and Mrs. Ann Peterson McMillan. He first attended local schools, then studied at Trinity College before transferring to the University of North Carolina, where he graduated in 1857.

 

After finishing school, Mr. McMillan moved to Red Springs and worked as a teacher. When the American Civil War began, he enlisted as a private in the First Regiment of North Carolina Infantry.

 

Following the war, he became a lawyer and practiced in Wadesboro before returning to Red Springs. There, he developed a strong interest in the history of the Native people of Robeson County. He promoted the idea that the community—now known as the Lumbee—were descendants of the Lost Colony of Roanoke connected to Sir Walter Raleigh. He wrote about this theory in works such as The Lost Colony Found.

In 1885, Mr. McMillan was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly. While serving, he helped pass laws recognizing the Native people of Robeson County as “Croatan Indians” and supported a separate school system for them. His efforts led to the creation of the Croatan Normal School, which later became the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

 

His work had a lasting impact on education and recognition for the Lumbee people, even though his Lost Colony theory is still debated today.

 

A statue honoring Mr. McMillan stands in front of Old Main on the UNC Pembroke campus, reminding visitors of his contributions. As previously noted in The Robesonian, many Lumbee people deeply appreciated his efforts, especially his role in supporting education and advocating for their recognition.