Explore Moores Creek Battlefield (Video!)
In the early days of the American Revolution, the engagement at Moores Creek Battlefield was one that stands out. It is a story of surprise, courage, and a key event for North Carolina in the fight for Independence. Read on and learn more about this pivotable battle at Moores Creek National Battlefield.
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Video Walkthrough of Moores Creek Battlefield
The short high-speed video below gives a quick walk-though of this small Revolutionary battle so you can see the site in more detail. It is a fairly small park which allows you to get really in-depth in your exploriation.
Significance of the Moores Creek Battle
The significance of this 240+ year old Revolutionary battle, as small as it was, is tied to several components.
First and foremost, the battle was fought early in the war on July 27, 1776 and was the first significant victory by the patriots in the revolutionary war and secured control over North Carolina.
Subsequently, the success by the patriots reinforced the effort by the Continental Congress to move towards independence with the support of this key southern colony later the same year.
Finally, the battle was the last broadsword charge by the loyalist Scottish Highlanders. A screaming sword charge against a fixed Canon and musket position, does seem to be a losing proposition.
Moores Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center
Coming into the site, the visitor center is a nice sized building for the site and has a gift shop, exhibits and stamping location.
The National Park Cancellation stamp location is actually a small ledge in the foyer of the building. My guess is this allows for visitors to get the stamps even when they are not open.
The gift shop is a decent size and provides all the normal books, and souvenirs that one may need. A must do before going on the walking tour is to take in the overview video. This will provide great context to the battle and then really appreciate what you will see on the short walk around the battlefield.
Before you go on the walking tour, make sure you grab the small brochure that goes with the walk. It really takes you on a step-by-step journey though the sites. It also helps you avoid making the mistake of going the wrong direction on the tour, as I saw a few visitors do. (hint, go right out of the back of the visitor center)
Walking Tour
I really enjoyed how they designed and implemented the walking tour for this battle. It is a simple and easily navigated 1-mile loop that starts at the back of the visitor center and takes you all around the main sites.
It has information signs along the way, that help explain the state of the colonist and the importance of this location.
Interesting Note: There were no British regular troops in this battle. The loyalist who turned-out were primarily Scottish immigrants who, as a primary condition of their citizenship, had to pledge loyalty to the British crown.
As you leave the visitor center there is a bit of a walk through the woods until you are presented with the defensive earthen works of the Patriots. This sets the stage as they were dug-in, ready for a fight.
You are then taken around a boardwalk to the loyalist side of Moores creek. From there you get the sense of the direction of the forward assault and why it failed. It had poor visibility, the bridges stringers were removed, making it a slow traverse, and the loyalist did not expect the level of resistance or prepared defenses of the Patriots.
Information is an important ally in any engagement, and they were simple not prepared.
“King George and Broadswords”
The start of the battle of Moores Creek bridge was pretty much the end. As the loyalist slowly crossed the damaged bridge after midnight, they made the decision to push forward with all force. With this came their special tactic of the screaming broadsword charge. They shouted out “King George and Broadswords!”, as they charged toward the patriot’s line.
I can imagine that a hoard of screaming, hairy Scottish men with large swords and the sounds of bagpipes screeching in the wind can be quite intimidating. It loses its impact, however, when you have a 1/2-pound swivel gun and a company of muskets on your side.
The battle took only three minutes, with only minor casualties, but it had a consequential impact on the history of North Carolina. Without this short but important a battle, it could have shifted the timeline of Independence and how our country was eventually formed.
Impressions of the Moores Creek Battlefield
The battlefield is very small when compared some of the major Civil War battles, (think Petersburg, Richmond, Antietam, Kennesaw Mountain, Stones Creek, or Gettysburg), which for me allowed for a much deeper and clearer understanding of the action taken place there. It is a very intimate experience and also very well preserved. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
General Questions
Who fought at the battle of Moores Creek?
The patriot forces, led by Col. Richard Caswell, had a militia force of 1,052 men. The British regulars under Maj. Gen Henry Clinton had yet to arrive, so a call to arms for loyalist in the region assembled about 800 men, mostly of Scottish decent, and were led by Brig. Gen. Donald MacDonald.
Who won the battle of Moores Creek Bridge?
The patriots held a fixed position, had a superior force, knew the direction and intent of the British forces. The British, however, were out gunned, had outdated intelligence and utilized an antiquate tactic. The Patriots handily routed the loyalists and chased them from the field in less than 5 minutes.
How many people died in the Battle of Moores Creek?
Only one American died, with one wounded, while the British had fifty causalities, 30 killed and 20 wounded. The initial broadsword charge cut down nearly the entire assault.
Why is the Battle of Moores Creek Important?
The small, but decisive battled came at the right time, to solidify Patriot support in the key southern state of North Carolina. This provided the needed support for the continental congress to pursue Independence from Britan a few short months later.
