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The only British regular at Kings Mountain, commanding 1,100 Loyalist militia. Inventor of the Ferguson breech-loading rifle and one of the army's most capable officers. His ultimatum to the Overmountain settlements triggered the campaign that killed him.

Co-organizer of the Overmountain Men who led Watauga forces at Kings Mountain. His decision to respond to Ferguson's ultimatum offensively rather than defensively was the strategic insight that made the battle possible. Later became the first governor of Kentucky.

Shelby's co-organizer of the Overmountain expedition, commanding the Nolachucky settlements. His riflemen used the wooded slopes to maintain fire superiority over Ferguson's musket-armed Loyalists. Became the first governor of Tennessee and most celebrated figure of the backcountry Revolution.

Virginia militia colonel who led roughly 400 riflemen — the largest contingent at Kings Mountain — and served as overall commander. His forceful leadership of disparate independent commands directed the encirclement that trapped Ferguson's command.

Wilkes County, NC militia colonel who contributed roughly 350 men to Kings Mountain and attacked from the north slope. Known for aggressive prosecution of the backcountry civil war against Loyalists.

Surry County, NC militia colonel whose contingent joined the Kings Mountain encirclement. Winston-Salem, NC takes part of its name from him.

One of two women recorded in Ferguson's camp — "Virginia Sal" and "Virginia Paul" in contemporary accounts. Killed in the fighting. Their presence represents the invisible world of camp followers whose lives rarely appear in military history.

NC militia colonel who organized the initial Patriot response to Ferguson and helped assemble the Overmountain coalition. Deferred overall command to Campbell, recognizing that unified direction was essential.