Family Fun at Alamance Battleground
Colonial Celebration
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Revolutionary War era cannon and colonial militia re-enactors |
BURLINGTON - A covered dish picnic, wreath-laying ceremony, and a "Colonial Medicine" program are highlights of the May 16 program at Alamance Battleground in Burlington. The free celebration continues with the "18th Century Living Experience" program on Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20. Donations are appreciated.
During the Colonial Living Experience on May 19-20, the Guilford Militia and Craven Regiment will fire flintlock muskets and rifles, and also cannon. Visitors can talk to colonial soldier re-enactors at a working military camp or interact with costumed re-enactors as colonial settlers doing day-to-day tasks. Open hearth cooking and spinning can be seen in the circa 1780 Allen House. Visitors can even dip their own beeswax candle to take home. The Saturday schedule is 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday is 1-5 p.m.
Revolutionary War engagements in present day Alamance County include Pyle's Defeat, the Battle of Clapp's Mill and the Battle of Lindley's Mill. The Alamance Battleground Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will mark the 241st anniversary of these military events at its annual Patriots' Day at the battleground on May 19, 2-3 p.m.
The Alamance County Historical Association and Battle of Alamance Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution co-sponsor the May 16 event, which includes a short business meeting. Re-enactor Michael Williams will present the Medical Program. Persons attending the picnic are asked to bring a dish or two to share. The commemorative activities will occur from 6-9 p.m.
Backcountry settlers known as the Regulators battled Royal Governor William Tryon and the colonial North Carolina militia at the Battle of Alamance on May 16, 1771. The Regulators sought better representation and better regulation of government officials, and though defeated served as an example to others prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
For additional information call (336) 227-4785. Alamance Battleground State Historic Site is six miles south of I-85/I-40, exit 143, on NC 62 in Burlington, and is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
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