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.

Salisbury District included Anson, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Surry, Tryon counties, and the Washington District (the latter became Washington County, mostly in Tennessee).

Griffith Rutherford was chosen Brigadier General for the Salisbury District.