Alfred Moore
A Revolutionary War soldier turned Supreme Court justice, he shaped North Carolina's early institutions with quiet influence.
1755–1810 (age 55)·US Supreme Court justice from 1800 to 1804·Birthday: May 21
Biography
Alfred Moore served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1800 to 1804, appointed by President John Adams. Born into a prominent North Carolina family, he fought as a teenager in the Revolutionary War, seeing his family's plantation burned by British troops. This forged a resilient legal mind. He built a formidable law practice, his reputation for sharp intellect and integrity growing in the post-war years. He resigned due to the Court's arduous travel demands. Closer to home, he was a driving intellectual force behind the establishment of the University of North Carolina, serving as a founding trustee. His name endures on the landscape of his beloved state.
#1 When Alfred Was Born
The biggest hits of 1755
Alfred's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1755Born
1760Started school
1768Became a teenager
1771Could drive
1773Could vote
1776Turned 21
1785Turned 30
1795Turned 40
1805Turned 50
1810Died at 55
Key Achievements
- Appointed by President John Adams as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, serving from 1800 to 1804.
- Served as a founding trustee and key planner for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Had Moore County, North Carolina, named in his honor for his service to the state.
Did You Know?
He is one of the shortest-serving justices in Supreme Court history.
He was only 44 years old when appointed to the Supreme Court.
Moore Square, a historic park in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, bears his name.
“The law is the permanent will of the people, superior to temporary whims.”
