where was the battle of moores creek bridge

What was the significance of the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge?

Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought near Wilmington in present-day Pender County, North Carolina, on February 27, 1776. The victory of North Carolina Revolutionary forces over Southern Loyalists helped build political support for...

What is the exact location of Moore's Creek Bridge?

/  34.45778°N 78.10972°W  / 34.45778; -78.10972 /  34.45778°N 78.10972°W  / 34.45778; -78.10972 The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was a minor conflict of the American Revolutionary War fought near Wilmington (present-day Pender County ), North Carolina, on February 27, 1776.

Who won the Battle of Moores Creek in 1776?

Patriots score early victory at Moores Creek, North. In the early-morning hours of February 27, 1776, Commander Richard Caswell leads 1,000 Patriot troops in the successful Battle of Moores Creek over 1,600 British Loyalists.

Where did the Patriots camp at Moores Creek Bridge?

Caswell was reenforced by 200 minutemen from the Wilmington District at Moores Creek Bridge. The patriots used the natural terrain of the creek to their advantage, placing strong earthwork on a ridge overlooking the creek on the east bank. By February 26, 1776 the loyalists were camped six miles patriots position.

When was the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge?

February 27, 1776Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge / Start dateMoores Creek Bridge North Carolina was a deeply divided and fractured colony prior to the American Revolution, making it a prime target for a British invasion.

Why did the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge take place?

Revolutionary militia and Continental units mobilized to prevent the junction, blockading several routes until the poorly armed loyalists were forced to confront them at Moore's Creek Bridge, about 18 miles (29 km) north of Wilmington....Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge.DateFebruary 27, 1776ResultNorth Carolina victory1 more row

What happened during the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge?

Currie, NC | Feb 27, 1776. Moores Creek Bridge occurred between Patriot and Loyalist forces in North Carolina on February 27, 1776. Loyalist forces anticipated support from a British army arriving along the coast. The Patriots achieved a victory that solidified their control of North Carolina.

When did the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge End?

February 27, 1776Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge / End date

What was the first battle of the Revolutionary War fought in North Carolina?

On April 19, 1775, Massachusetts militiamen clashed with British regulars at Lexington Green. Until that point, North Carolinians had maintained a strained yet loyal allegiance to the mother country.

How many Patriots fought in the Battle of Moores Creek?

1,000 PatriotsAt the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge it is hard to say exactly how many of the Patriots were militia, but at least 200 of the 1,000 Patriots who fought at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge were militia.

What role did South Carolina play in the Revolutionary War?

Under Colonel William Moultrie, the South Carolinians defeated the Royal Navy in the Battle of Sullivan's Island on June 28, 1776, and brought the Patriot Continental Army a major victory.

What was Caswell's position on the bridge?

Caswell had thrown up some entrenchments on the west side of the bridge, but these were not located to patriot advantage. Their position required the patriots to defend a position whose only line of retreat was across the narrow bridge, a distinct disadvantage that MacDonald recognized when he saw the plans. In a council held that night, the loyalists decided to attack, since the alternative of finding another crossing might give Moore time to reach the area. During the night, Caswell decided to abandon that position and instead take up a position on the far side of the creek. To further complicate the loyalists' use of the bridge, the militia took up its planking and greased the support rails.

How many loyalists were there at Moore's Creek?

By the time of their arrival at Moore's Creek, the loyalist contingent had shrunk to between 700 and 800 men. About 600 of these were Highland Scots and the remainder were Regulators. Furthermore, the marching had taken its toll on the elderly MacDonald; he fell ill and turned command over to Lieutenant Colonel Donald MacLeod. The loyalists broke camp at 1 am on February 27 and marched the few miles from their camp to the bridge. Arriving shortly before dawn, they found the defenses on the west side of the bridge unoccupied. MacLeod ordered his men to adopt a defensive line behind nearby trees when a Revolutionary sentry across the river fired his musket to warn Caswell of the loyalist arrival. Hearing this, MacLeod immediately ordered the attack.

Why did MacDonald send his men to the Patriot camp?

MacDonald sent one of his men into the patriot camp under a flag of truce to demand their surrender, and to examine the defences. Caswell refused, and the envoy returned with a detailed plan of the patriot fortifications. Map depicting movements toward Moore's Creek Bridge: A: Caswell's movement.

What was the Cross Creek meeting?

With the reaction of the revolutionary war, word of the Cross Creek meeting reached members of the Revolutionary North Carolina Provincial Congress a few days after it happened. The colonies were broadly prosperous on the eve of the American Revolution. Pursuant to resolutions of the Second Continental Congress, the provincial congress had raised the 1st North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army in fall 1775, and given command to Colonel James Moore. Local committees of safety in Wilmington and New Bern also had active militia organizations, led by Alexander Lillington and Richard Caswell respectively. On February 15, the Provincial Congress' militia force began to mobilize.

How did the Battle of the Scots affect the Scots?

The battle had significant effects within the Scots community of North Carolina, where loyalists refused to turn out when calls to arms were made later in the war , and many who did were routed out of their homes by the pillaging activities of their patriot neighbors.

How many men were captured in the Battle of Cross Creek?

In all, about 850 men were captured. Most of these were released on parole, but the ringleaders were sent to Philadelphia as prisoners. Combined with the capture of the loyalist camp at Cross Creek, the patriots confiscated 1,500 muskets, 300 rifles, and $15,000 (as valued at the time) of Spanish gold.

Who led the Continentals out of Wilmington?

Moore led 650 Continentals out of Wilmington with the objective of preventing the loyalists from reaching the coast. They camped on the southern shore of Rockfish Creek on February 15, about 7 miles (11 km) from the loyalist camp. General MacDonald learned of their arrival, and sent Moore a copy of a proclamation issued by Governor Martin and a letter calling on the rebels to lay down their arms. Moore responded with his own call that the loyalists lay down their arms and support the cause of Congress. In the meantime, Caswell led 800 New Bern District Brigade militiamen toward the area. The Continentals included 58 Englishmen who had emigrated to North Carolina in the 1730s and 1740s and who were fighting for the patriot cause, as well as 290 of their sons who had been born and raised in North Carolina. In addition to this were eleven Welshman and 39 of their American born sons who also fought under Lillington. Smaller numbers of Lowland Scots, primarily from the three Scottish counties of Selkirkshire, Berwickshire and Roxburghshire were also present on the patriot side. Many of the men who fought under Lillington and Caswell were third generation Carolinians whose grandparents had been English immigrants who came as part of a large migration to the Carolinas from the English regions of Wiltshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire as well as many farmers from the southern portion of Lincolnshire, England, during the early 1700s. By contrast, the loyalist regiment facing them consisted exclusively of Scots Tories (specifically of Highland Scots background), who owned large plantations along the Cape Fear River which was settled by aristocrats from the region of the Scottish Highlands.

Why did the loyalists send a courier to Caswell's camp?

Late that afternoon the loyalists sent a courier to Caswell’s camp to offer a chance for the patriots to lay down their arms. Caswell refused the proposal. Upon returning to General MacDonald, the loyalist courier conveyed that the patriots were camped on the west bank of Moores Creek and were vulnerable to attack.

What was the significance of the Battle of Moores Creek?

The battle of Moores Creek was brief, it possibly only lasting three minutes. This battle would mark the first decisive patriot victory of the American Revolution. Allowing North Carolina to become the first American colony to instruct their deligates sent to the Continetal Congress, to vote for independence!

Where was Caswell reenforced?

Caswell was reenforced by 200 minute men from the Wilmington District at Moores Creek Bridge. The patriot force used the natural terrain of the creek to their advantage, place strong earthwork on a ridge overlooking the creek on the east bank. By February 26, 1776 the loyalists were camped six miles patriot position.

What was the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge?

Battle of Moores Creek Bridge February 27, 1776. Moores Creek Bridge. North Carolina was a deeply divided and fractured colony prior to the American Revolution, making it a prime target for a British invasion.

Why did the loyalists move east?

On February 20, 1776, the loyalists moved towards the coast, but was blocked by Moore’s patriot forces from Wilmington. The loyalists then moved east to evade Moore while hoping to also slip past Caswell’s force coming from New Bern.

How many troops did the British send to the colonies?

Looking to take advantage of the situation, the British Crown planned to send 7,000 regular British troops, with an addition of 10,000 muskets and small artillery in order to supply those colonists still loyal to the British government.

What was the first move towards war?

First Moves Toward War. By April 1775, British Royal Governor of North Carolina Josiah lost control of the colony and was sent into exile. While in exile Martin laid plans to re-take North Carolina. He would raise an army of 10,000 and march it to a coast to link up with British forces.

What did Caswell do to deceive the enemy?

To deceive the enemy, Caswell had left his campfires burning while he moved his force to the east bank. Following the night crossing, the Patriots had removed the planks from the bridge, greased the girders, and positioned artillery to cover the road and bridge.

How many soldiers were on the west bank of the creek?

On the night of 26 February, Caswell manned the west bank of the creek with 800 soldiers while Lillington stationed 150 men near a slightly elevated knoll on the east bank. Moore positioned his 1,000 troops between Moore's Creek and Wilmington. While the Patriot forces assumed their defensive positions, MacDonald convened a council of war with his officers at his camp about six miles from Caswell on the same side of the creek. The decision was made to attack, but MacDonald fell ill, and command of the Highlanders devolved to Lt. Col. Donald McLeod.

What river did Elizabeth Moore's Creek flow into?

Also known at the time as Widow Moore's Creek because it flowed past land owned by widow Elizabeth Moore, the creek flowed into the Black River about ten miles above the river's confluence with the Cape Fear. On the night of 26 February, Caswell manned the west bank of the creek with 800 soldiers while Lillington stationed 150 men ...

How many Highlanders died in the Battle of the Bridge?

Within three minutes, the battle was over. About 70 Highlanders were killed or wounded. Among the dead was McLeod, a bridegroom of only a few weeks.

How many soldiers were taken prisoner in the Battle of Lexington?

About 850 soldiers were taken prisoner, including General MacDonald, who was captured in his tent. The booty claimed by the victorious Patriots was substantial: 150 swords, 1,500 rifles, and £15,000. In the battle, the Whigs lost only one man, John Grady, who died four days later. Called the "Lexington and Concord of the South," the Battle ...

How did MacDonald alter his movement?

MacDonald altered his movement by crossing the Cape Fear River en route to Corbett's Ferry on the Black River. There he anticipated slipping past the militiamen of Col. Richard Caswell; his army would then proceed over the bridge at Moore's Creek and hasten on to Wilmington. When Moore learned that MacDonald had won the race to Corbett's Ferry, ...

Why was the Battle of Moore's Creek important?

Called the "Lexington and Concord of the South," the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge was significant for several reasons: it marked the permanent end of royal authority in North Carolina, it prompted the Provincial Congress meeting at Halifax on 12 Apr. 1776 to instruct North Carolina's delegation to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to vote for independence, and it prevented the British from seizing control of the South at the onset of the war. The site of the battle, including the reconstructed bridge, has been preserved within Moore's Creek National Military Park. The 86-acre complex, operated by the federal government since 1926, is located one mile southwest of Currie.

What was the name of the battle that defeated the North Carolina loyalists?

Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, (February 27, 1776), in the American Revolution, battle in which North Carolina Revolutionaries defeated a force of North Carolina loyalists, in part thwarting a British invasion of the southern colonies.

What is an encyclopedia editor?

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. ...

Who attacked the rebels at the bridge?

The loyalists attacked the rebel force at the bridge but were quickly defeated. The rebels, of whom only one was killed and one wounded, captured or killed more than half of the loyalist forces and seized arms, supplies, and £15,000 sterling.

What happened to the Loyalists at the Battle of North Carolina?

In a brief early morning engagement, a charge across the bridge by sword-wielding Loyalist Scotsmen was met by a barrage of musket fire. One Loyalist leader was killed, another captured, and the whole force was scattered. In the following days, many Loyalists were arrested, putting a damper on further recruiting efforts. North Carolina was not militarily threatened again until 1780, and memories of the battle and its aftermath negated efforts by Major General Charles Cornwallis to recruit Loyalists in the area in 1781.

Why did Caswell withdraw from the Black River?

Outmaneuvered by MacDonald's march tactics, Caswell withdrew from defending Corbett's Ferry on the Black River in order to " take possession of the Bridge upon Widow Moore's Creek " , some 20 miles above Wilmington and a place the Loyalists had to cross on their way to the coast. After sending Colonel Alexander Lillington to join Caswell, ...

How many men waited on the bridge on February 26?

On February 26, in the evening, the Americans straddled the bridge. Lillington with 150 men waited on the east side of the Moore's Creek, and Caswell with 850 men were camped on the west. MacDonald's Loyalists, 1,600 strong but with arms for less than half that many, camped 6 miles away.

How many soldiers were in the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge?

Richard Caswell and consisted of 1,000 militiamen. British Forces was commanded by Col. Donald McLeod and consisted of about 1,500 Soldiers. Casualties - American casualties were 1 killed and 1 wounded. British casualties was approximately 30 killed, 40 ...

What was the rallying cry for King George and Broad Swords?

Moving on to nearby woods, Col. McLeod regrouped his men and passed the rallying cry - " King George and Broad Swords " - along the line. There, they waited for daybreak. Suddenly gunfire sounded near the bridge.

How many acres of land did the British promise to the Highlanders?

To all Highlanders who pledged service to the Crown, the British government promised 200 acres of land, cancellation of land fees, and tax exemption for 20 years. These terms, and Martin's efforts among other groups, brought in recruits, though not nearly as many as had been expected., The call went out for Loyalists to assemble under MacDonald near Cross Creek and then march to the coast.

What was the significance of the Battle of North Carolina?

The victory ended British authority in North Carolina and provided an important boost to Patriot morale.

What weapons did the loyalists use in the Patriot Encampment?

The Loyalist approach the quiet Patriot encampment. One group of Loyalists armed with Highland Broadswords, a traditional weapon of the Highland Scots, moved around the encampment to the Moores Creek Bridge.

What was the plan of the Loyalists in 1776?

Their plan is to surround the Patriot Camp on the west bank of Moores Creek in order to cut off the bridge and force the Patriots to surrender.

Why did Caswell and Lillington camp on Moores Creek?

Many historians believe this was done to confuse the Loyalists and prevent them from seeing the earthworks on the east bank.

Why were the boats burned at the Black River?

Upon arriving at the ferry crossing, Patriot Commander Colonel Richard Caswell ordered that all boats in the area be burned or sunk to prevent the Loyalists from using them. Once the Loyalists arrived in the area on the 24th, they began looking for ways to cross the river other than the ferry crossing. That afternoon, a boat was found by the Loyalists, and they began to cross the Black River the next morning on the 25th, five miles above the Patriot position.

What was the Moores Creek Bridge Campaign?

The Moores Creek Campaign is one of the most crucial campaigns of the American Revolution that will ultimately lead to the first decisive victory of the war for the Patriots. When the British fail to break out of Boston in the summer of 1775, in order to hopefully arm the Loyalists in New England, ...

What was the first victory of the American Revolution?

The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge is considered the first decisive victory of the American Revolution. In the days that followed the battle, the resounding victory echoed though the colonies, and a new hope was born. On April 12, 1776 the Patriot leaders in North Carolina signed the Halifax Resolves, a document that gave the delegates of the colony sent to the Continental Congress the right to vote for Independence. North Carolina would become the first colony to take such action.

How long did the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge last?

The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was over almost as quickly as it began. Some of the soldiers recalled nearly 60 years later that the battle only lasted “three minutes.” With a Loyalist defeat at Moores Creek Bridge, the British failed to arm those colonists that supported the crown, a consequence that would have a devastating effect on Loyalism in the colony throughout the war.

Where did MacDonald's troops march?

Gen. MacDonald’s Loyalist force was unprepared to march from Cross Creek until February 18, three days after Gov. Martin expected it to reach Brunswick Town. Planning to advance down the south side of the Cape Fear River in a direct line to his destination, MacDonald found his route blocked by Moore’s regiment entrenched at Rockfish Creek, several miles below Cross Creek. Rather than offer battle, MacDonald retraced his steps to march down the north side of the river. It then became a game of cat and mouse as the Loyalists attempted to keep their whereabouts secret with the Patriots trying to find and stop them.

How many bullets did Donald MacLeod get?

At the head of the column, Donald MacLeod died instantly, his body reportedly riddled by some 20 bullets. Campbell was also killed along with 30 to 40 other Loyalists, some of whom were hit trying to cross the bridge, their bodies falling into the dark, cold waters of Moores Creek.

How many loyalists were there at Cross Creek?

Although the terms were both generous and enticing, only 1,500 to 1,600 Loyalists appeared at Cross Creek, about half the number Martin anticipated helping him regain control of his lost colony. The Wilmington-New Hanover County Committee of Safety intercepted Martin’s proclamation which clearly revealed his game plan.

What is the first in flight plate?

The “First in Flight” plate observes the first powered aircraft flights by brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright at Kill Devil Hills on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1903.

Why did Martin take action in North Carolina?

As the political situation worsened in North Carolina, Martin took action to hold onto power. Writing to Gen. Thomas Gage, commander of the British Army in America based in Boston, he requisitioned muskets to arm those loyal to King George III in the Colony.

What did the colonies do to resolve their problems?

Representatives from the various Colonies affirmed their political and economic problems with Parliament and agreed to act together to resolve them, in large part by implementing a policy of non-importation and non-consumption of British goods, and the non-exportation of American products to Britain.

What happened in 1774?

One crisis after another slowly but surely fractured the relationship between the American Colonies and the mother country. By the summer of 1774, anti-British government activists had gained popularity, strength and support in assuming more control of political affairs in America, including North Carolina.

Overview

Aftermath

Over the next several days, the North Carolina Provincial Congress' militia force mopped up the fleeing loyalists. In all, about 850 men were captured. Most of these were released on parole, but the ringleaders were sent to Philadelphia as prisoners. Despite very hard feelings on both sides, the Loyalist prisoners were treated with respect. This helped convince many not to take up arms again.

Background

Battle

Order of battle

Sources

Further reading