How Cullybackey helped shape America’s fight for independence

Jonathon Fulton (CCP Chair), Dr Paul Roelle (US Consulate), Richard Hanna (CCP)

Cullybackey Community Partnership has unveiled a major new exhibition exploring the remarkable role ordinary people from the local area played in the events surrounding American Independence — uncovering stories that stretch from rural Mid and East Antrim to the inner circle of George Washington himself.

The project, titled Ordinary People Extraordinary History – Cullybackey and American Independence, shines a spotlight on little-known connections between the Cullybackey area and the founding of the United States as America prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Funded through the Department for Communities’ USA-NI 250 Fund, the initiative combines a travelling exhibition, a full-colour 20-page booklet, a short documentary-style video and a programme of public talks designed to bring the history to life for local audiences.

Dr Paul Roelle (US Consulate)

While the signing of the Declaration of Independence happened thousands of miles away in 1776, organisers say the research has revealed that people from this part of County Antrim played a far greater role in shaping those events than many would ever have imagined.

From Cullybackey to George Washington’s elite guard

Among the most striking discoveries are the stories of Robert Wiley and James McCrory — men from the Cullybackey district who became members of George Washington’s elite Life Guard during the American Revolutionary War.

The research also traces the story of Hugh Gaine, a local man who went on to print copies of the Declaration of Independence itself in New York, placing a figure with roots in the area at the heart of one of the most defining moments in American history.

Organisers say the project highlights how emigration from Ulster during the 18th century helped shape the social, political and military foundations of the emerging United States.

Dr William Roulston (Ulster Historical Foundation)

The historical research and written content for the exhibition was carried out by Dr William Roulston, Director of Research at the Ulster Historical Foundation, who will also lead a series of public talks connected to the project.

Community project uncovers hidden local history

Dr Paul Roelle (US Consulate), Richard Hanna (CCP), Dr William Roulston (Ulster Historical Foundation)

Richard Hanna, Trustee of Cullybackey Community Partnership, said organisers had not anticipated the scale of the area’s historical links to American Independence before the project began.

“CCP was delighted to have received funding from DfC to embark on this exciting project,” he said.

“Before the research began, we weren’t sure of the extent of the links between our community and events leading to American Independence, but we were surprised and pleased with the stories of ordinary people that emerged.”

The launch event was held at Galgorm Resort and attended by invited guests including United States Consul General James Applegate and the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Jackson Minford.

The involvement of the U.S. Consulate reflects the growing focus on historic and cultural links between Northern Ireland and the United States ahead of the America 250 commemorations next year.

‘Ordinary people played a profoundly important role’

Paul Roelle from the U.S. Consulate said the project helps showcase the deep historical connections between Northern Ireland and America.

“The months leading up to the semi-quincentennial of our Declaration of Independence have provided an important platform to celebrate the deep and multi-faceted connections between the United States and Northern Ireland,” he said.

“The many stories uncovered through this exciting project remind us how ordinary people from Cullybackey played a profoundly important role in events that shaped the trajectory of the American nation.

“From soldiers to entrepreneurs, politicians and farmers, early emigrants from this area displayed extraordinary courage in pursuit of our values and ideals.

“I congratulate Cullybackey Community Partnership on this excellent initiative which brings history to life in a powerful and accessible way.”

Public talks planned in Cullybackey

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, councillor Jackson Minford

The exhibition will be displayed during a series of public talks at the Maine Business Centre in Cullybackey.

Talks will begin at 7pm on:

• June 1

• June 8

• June 22

Organisers say everyone is welcome to attend.

The exhibition has also been designed as a portable display, with plans to bring it to additional venues across the area in the coming months.

Updates on future locations and events will be shared through the Cullybackey Community Partnership Facebook page.

The exhibition will also be available online through the CCP website: https://cullybackeycommunitypartnership.co.uk/

The project arrives at a time when communities across Northern Ireland are increasingly exploring their historical links with America, but organisers believe the newly uncovered stories from Cullybackey give the area a particularly unique place within that wider story.