Alamance Battleground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
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Site of the Battle of Alamance, including red flags marking militia positions, the 1880 monument to the battle, the visitor center of Alamance Battleground.
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| Nearest city | Alamance, North Carolina |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1771 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000435 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 |
The Alamance Battleground is a special place in North Carolina. It is a State Historic Site that remembers the Battle of Alamance. This important site is located south of Burlington in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States.
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A Look Back: History of the Battleground
The Battle of Alamance happened in May 1771. It was part of a bigger event called the War of the Regulation. This conflict was between the forces of the Royal Governor, William Tryon, and a group of settlers. These settlers lived in western North Carolina. They were unhappy with how the royal governors were leading the colony.
Later, in 2009, scientists started studying the land. They found signs of another fight from the American Revolutionary War. This small battle happened on March 5, 1781. It was between the Delaware Light Infantry and British General Charles Cornwallis's soldiers. This was one of many small fights before the bigger Battle of Guilford Court House.
They also found proof of a Civil War camp. Soldiers from the 3rd North Carolina Junior Reserve unit stayed here. This was just before they gave up to Union forces near High Point.
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
The Alamance Battleground is a State Historic Site. This means it's a special place protected by the state. It belongs to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The site was created to save part of the old battleground. It also helps people learn about how settlers lived in the 1770s.
You can see old family papers, books, and documents here. These items tell the story of what life was like. They show how people lived on the frontier in the 1700s and 1800s.
Exploring the Grounds
At the site, there is a visitor center. Here, you can watch a film about the battle. There is also a small museum with historical items. One special item is the powder horn of Harmon Cox. It is the only known item from the Battle of Alamance.
Outside, you can see a replica of a 3-pounder cannon. There is also a map of the battleground. Two granite monuments stand on the grounds. The smaller one was placed in 1880. The larger one has a statue of James Hunter. He was known as the "General of the Regulators." This monument was put up in 1901.
A trail about three-quarters of a mile long crosses the grounds. Important battle spots are marked with flags. The Regulator campsite is also marked. You can also see an old smokehouse. A plaque remembers six men who were severely punished after the Regulators lost. Their names were James Pugh, Robert Matear, Benjamin Merrill, Captain Messer, and two others.
The site also has the John Allen House. This house was likely built around 1780. John's sister, Amy, was married to Herman Husband. He was an important writer and speaker in the Regulator movement. He was at the Battle of Alamance. The house was moved here from nearby Snow Camp. It is a frontier-style log home with one room. Inside, you can see restored furniture from that time.
Visiting the Site
You can ask for a guided tour of the Allen House. The visitor center has many exhibits to explore. It also shows a 25-minute audio-visual program. This program teaches about the battle, the War of the Regulation, and frontier life.
Most of the battleground is easy to get around for everyone. There are ten picnic tables for visitors to use. A gift shop is also located inside the visitor center.
