Relive the fervor and conviction of North Carolina colonists in their power struggle on the eve of revolution. The first ever battle re-enactment at Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will take place May 14-15 for the 245th anniversary event. It's part of the "It's Revolutionary!" series at colonial state historic sites. The program is free; parking is $5.
May 16, 1771, almost 2,000 backcountry farmers confronted the1,000 man royal militia at the Battle of Alamance. Dishonest sheriffs, illegal fees and taxation had led the farmers to conclude there was a need for regulation of public officials, thus the Regulator movement was born.
The battle re-enactment at high noon Saturday and Sunday will demonstrate the valiant effort of the poorly trained and outgunned Regulators. The battle ended in defeat for the crushed Regulator uprising and presaged the coming American Revolutionary War only five years later.
The confident Royal Governor William Tryon and royal policies were satirized by the poet-teacher-patriot Rednap Howell. Visitors will meet the two enemies portrayed by re-enactors during the weekend. Other activities will include demonstrations of 18th century life, including cooking, medicine and surgery, laundry, horn carving and militia camp life.
Members of the colonial militia will recreate the 5-mile march from Alamance Creek to the battleground, retracing the steps of Governor Tryon's loyalist militia, starting Saturday at 9 a.m.
Cannon and musket firing demonstrations will be featured both days, along with log cabin tours and up-close demonstrations of colonial crafts and trades. A Patriot's Day commemoration ceremony Saturday at 2 p.m. is sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution. A talk and book signing by local author Suzanne Adair will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
An 18th century Anglican Church service Sunday at 10 a.m. will recall the traditions of the powerful Church of England.
For additional information, please call (336) 227-4785. Alamance Battleground is located 6 miles south of I-85/I-40, exit 143, on Highway 62 in Burlington, and is on Facebook and Instagram. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.