As the Revolutionary War was being fought, colonials on both sides of the fence were often at odds with each other. This is a case of Moore’s Creek, where approximately 1,000 colonial patriots faced off against a group of loyalists in February of 1776. The bridge spanning the creek had been halfway taken down, and the loyalists coming across its remaining structure were faced with opponents armed with muskets and cannons. The patriot victory here effectively brought an end to the British rule in the area and helped North Carolina to be the first to cast its vote for independence.
You can walk a .07 mile trail that is the remaining section of the roadway traveled by the fighters on both sides. Along the way, you can read more about the battle on one of the many signs posted and visit the site of the bridge. The visitor center will be able to give you a park brochure and more detailed information. Inside, you can peruse the museum, which features artifacts from the battle and various other displays. You can track the fighting on a battle map that highlights how each group moved. The park film will give you a general overview of what occurred.
Your family can take a leisurely stroll through .3 mile forested trail and then stop off at the picnic area for a relaxing lunch. There is also a reenactment of the battle each year in February at the park. You can see people in period dress, camping out and carrying the weapons that were used during that time, along with the sound of period military music being played.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Park offers you the chance to step back into history and experience the conflict of the Revolutionary War years. You will leave with a better sense of the struggle that was necessary to win our independence.
