Alamance Battleground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
|
|
Site of the Battle of Alamance, including red flags marking militia positions, the 1880 monument to the battle, the visitor center of Alamance Battleground.
|
|
| Nearest city | Alamance, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1771 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000435 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 |
Alamance Battleground is a special place in North Carolina. It's a State Historic Site that remembers the Battle of Alamance. This important battleground is found south of Burlington, in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States.
Contents
A Look Back at the Battleground's Past
The Battle of Alamance: A Fight for Fairness
The Battle of Alamance happened in May 1771. It was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Regulation. This war was between the forces of the Royal Governor, William Tryon, and a group called the "Regulators."
The Regulators were ordinary people who wanted to change how the colonial government worked. They felt the government was unfair and corrupt. They protested against high taxes and dishonest officials. The battle was a clash between these citizens and the governor's army.
Other Important Discoveries at the Site
Scientists have studied the battleground since 2009. They found signs of another fight from the American Revolutionary War. This small battle happened on March 5, 1781. It was between American soldiers and British forces led by General Charles Cornwallis. This was one of many small fights before the larger Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
Evidence also shows that soldiers camped here during the American Civil War. The 3rd North Carolina Junior Reserve unit stayed at the site. They were led by Colonel John Hinsdale. They camped here shortly before giving up to Union forces near High Point.
Visiting Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
What is the Historic Site?
The Alamance Battleground State Historic Site is managed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Its main goal is to protect part of the historic battleground. It also helps people understand what life was like for settlers in the 1770s.
Visitors can learn about the past through old family papers, books, and documents. These items show what it was like to live on the frontier in the 1700s and 1800s.
Exploring the Grounds and Exhibits
The visitor center has a small museum. Here, you can see historical items. One special item is the powder horn of Harmon Cox. It's the only known item from the Battle of Alamance that has survived.
Outside the center, you'll find a replica of a 3-pounder cannon. There's also a map of the battleground. Two granite monuments stand on the grounds. The smaller one was placed in 1880. The larger one, built in 1901, has a statue of James Hunter. He was known as the "General of the Regulators."
A trail about three-quarters of a mile long crosses the grounds. It marks important battle positions. You can also see a campsite and a smokehouse. A plaque remembers the six men who were hanged by Governor Tryon after the Regulators lost. Their names were James Pugh, Robert Matear, Benjamin Merrill, Captain Messer, and two others.
The Historic John Allen House
The site also includes the John Allen House. This house was likely built around 1780. John Allen's sister, Amy, was married to Herman Husband. He was an important leader in the Regulator movement. Herman Husband was present at the Battle of Alamance.
The house was moved from nearby Snow Camp to its current spot. It was given by the family's descendants. This frontier-style, one-room log home is filled with restored furniture from that time period.
Planning Your Visit
You can ask for guided tours of the Allen House. The visitor center has many exhibits to explore. Most of the battleground is easy to access for people with disabilities.
There are ten picnic tables available for visitors to use. A gift shop is also located inside the visitor center. It's a great place to find souvenirs and learn more about the site.
More to Explore
