There is a group of us "Tarheel" MacLeod's that are interested in creating a "North Carolina MacLeod" tartan. There is already a California MacLeod tartan, and Chief John does wear this quite often. Does anyone know how to get this started? I would imagine we would probably have to get the Chief to stand behind the idea or the Clan MacLeod Society.

Cyndi, Matt? Any thoughts?

Here is some history of MacLeod's and Scots in NC.

Carolina Scots / Tarheel Scots:

The Highland settlement on the Upper Cape Fear Valley of North Carolina was the largest settlement of Highland Scots anywhere in the world during the 18th and early 19th Centuries. Today this section still stands as the largest settlement of Highlanders -- maybe just behind --or equal to the settlement in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

The people of North Carolina have always been called Tarheels. While there are a couple of legends floating around, it is generally understood that early on North Carolina was a great producer for
Britain in tar and turpentine. Many foreigners first exposure to North Carolinians would have been with those poor laborers in this industry who were known for having tar on their heels while at work --perhaps many of these workers were barefoot. To call one a 'Tarheel' may have originally been considered a lower-class designation. Eventually all North Carolinians would fondly accept the name 'Tarheel.'

There is a legend that during the War Between the States, General Robert E. Lee said the North Carolina Troops fought for the Confederacy like they had tar on their heels and wouldn't retreat in battle. He is known to have said, "God bless the Tarheel boys."

The first state sponsored university anywhere in the U.S. was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The nickname 'Tarheel' would also be used as their mascot name.

And as stated on Matt's Tartan Museum website, NC has more Scots than Scotland, and according to the Governor's office, North Carolina has more residents of Scottish heritage than any other state in the union.