Moores Creek National Battlefield

Background

The Loyalist force, composed mostly of Scottish Highlanders, many lacking muskets and carrying broadswords, anticipated encountering only a small Patriot contingent on February 27, 1776. Before the Loyalists arrived, Patriots removed the planks from the bridge crossing Moore's Creek and greased the remaining beams with lard, forcing the Loyalists to cross single file. As they advanced, Patriot fire killed dozens, including commanders Lieutenant Colonel Donald McLeod and Colonel Allan MacDonald, husband of Flora MacDonald.

Stunned and leaderless, the Loyalists surrendered or fled. Patriots seized wagons, weapons, and British pounds worth over $1 million today. The victory ended British authority in the colony and spurred North Carolina to become the first colony to vote for independence. The battle, along with the Battle of Sullivan's Island, were early open conflicts of the American Revolution leading to the July 4, 1776 declaration.

Description and administrative history

The central Moores Creek likely was named for pioneer settler Elizabeth Moore. Remnants of the 1776 road used by both Patriot and Loyalist forces remain. A 1-mile trail with wayside exhibits crosses the creek and passes the historic bridge site. The park, in a rural area, includes a visitor center with exhibits and an audio-visual program, a 0.3-mile colonial forest trail, and a picnic area.