Archibald Dixon was born near Red House, Caswell County, North Carolina on April 2, 1802.[1] He was the son of Captain Wynn and Rebecca Hart Dixon.[2] Both Dixon's father and grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, the former enlisting at the age of sixteen.[2] His grandfather, Colonel Henry Dixon, was commended by "Light Horse Harry" Lee for his service at the Battle of Camden.[2] He was later killed at the Battle of Eutaw Springs.[2]
In 1805, Captain Dixon lost all of his property and moved the family to Henderson, Kentucky.[3]