Description
- The 86.5 acre park commemorates the decisive February 27, 1776 victory by 1,000 Patriots over 1,600 Loyalists at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. The battle ended Royal Governor Josiah Martin's hopes of regaining control of the colony for the British crown. In addition, this first decisive Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War raised morale for Patriots throughout the colonies. The Loyalist defeat ended British plans for an invasion force to land in Brunswick, North Carolina. The colony of North Carolina voted to declare independence from the British on April 12, 1776, shortly after the victory at Moores Creek.
Recreation - The park has two self-guided trails including the 1-mile History Trail and the .33 mile Tar Heel Trail. The History Trail explains the battle and includes the site where the Patriots and Loyalists clashed on February 27, 1776. The Tar Heel Trail explains the naval stores industry which was the predominate industry of the area during the Colonial Period. The park holds an annual celebration and commemoration of the battle. The event is held on the last full weekend of February and features a living history encampment, tactical demonstrations, folk singing and a formal commemoration program on Sunday afternoon including a speaker, military band and wreath laying ceremony. During the summer months various afternoon programs, talks, walks and demonstrations are held on the weekends. Guided tours for schools, societies, military groups and other groups are available with an advanced reservation by calling the park at 910-283-5591. Climate - Winter daytime temperatures average above 44 degrees Fahrenheit (above 7 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures average above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (above 27 Celsius). The state has a fairly wet climate with an average precipitation for this area averaging 48-52 inches (122-132 centimeters). Location -
The park is located on NC 210 about three miles west of U.S. 421. The park also is accessible from I-40 by taking NC 210 west about 15 miles to the park. The park is approximately 20 miles NW from Wilmington, North Carolina, a city of 55,000 people.
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