Battle of Moores Creek Bridge DAR

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, American flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, followed by a national moment of silence at 3 p.m.

04/19/2026

02/27/2026

On this day in 1776, Patriots claimed a pivotal early victory at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in North Carolina. In a dramatic clash that feels straight out of 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧, local militia faced off against Loyalist Highland Scots—many wielding broadswords in a bold charge across the bridge. The Patriots’ swift strategy secured a decisive win, halting British plans in the South and energizing the cause of independence. Farmers, tradesmen, and neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder, proving that ordinary citizens could shape the course of history. Moore’s Creek Bridge remains a powerful symbol of North Carolina’s Revolutionary spirit. 🇬🇧⚔️🇺🇸

02/27/2026

250 years ago, in the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, nearly 1,000 Patriots defended a position on the east bank of Widow Moores Creek as nearly 800 Loyalists, mostly Scottish Highlanders wielding broadswords, began the slippery crossing of the partially-dismantled bridge spanning the creek. With a small number of Loyalists having successfully crossed the sleepers, the Loyalists charged up the old Black River Road in pursuit of "retreating" Patriot forces. When they reached within a few paces of the Patriot earthworks, they were met with "a very proper reception" as "old Mother Covington and her daughter boomed their disapproval, accompanied by a burst of rifle fire."

Col. Donald McLeod, leader of the advancing Loyalist force and an exceptionally brave man, was mortally wounded, falling just shy of the earthworks. It was said that he tried to regain his footing while shouting encouragements to his men and waving his sword onward in the direction of the enemy before succumbing to a hail of musket ball and swan shot. Nearly 30 Loyalists lost their life in that early morning charge, while it is estimated that another 40-50 perished in the murky creek or in the surrounding swamps from their wounds.

By some estimates, the battle was over in as little as three minutes. The outcome would prove to be much more significant than any soldier on that battlefield would ever imagine. This would be one of the first Patriot victories of the American Revolution and ended Royal authority in the colony forever. Just a few months later, North Carolina's Provincial Congress passed a resolution, now known as the Halifax Resolves, which ordered North Carolina's delegation to the Continental Congress to seek and vote for independence, making North Carolina the first colony to take such action.

02/19/2026

On Tuesday Feb. 24, the National Park Service invites the public to a naturalization ceremony at Moores Creek National Battlefield in cooperation with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The event is from 11 a.m. to noon in Patriots Hall.

Join us to celebrate our new, fellow American citizens!

Guest speakers include:

-Ben Sorensen, History Instructor and International Center Coordinator, Cape Fear Community College

-USCIS staff

-Matthew Woods, Superintendent, Moores Creek National Battlefield.

Before and after the ceremony, everyone will be invited to view the "One-Day Wonder" Exhibit from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Archives. The exhibit will be on display throughout the day.

02/19/2026

Extract of a Letter from New Bern, North Carolina, dated February 13th, 1776:

"An express arrived here yesterday from the backcountry, informing us that the Regulators and Tories were gaining strength there and intended to march to Cross Creek, and from there to Cape Fear. I am of the opinion they will be well flogged before they reach Cape Fear, provided they engage in battle. Our Minute-Men and part of the militia march tomorrow and will join Colonel Caswell in Dobbs County (near present-day Kinston, NC). From there, he will march in two or three days with nearly a thousand men under his command."

While the Patriots were on the move, the Regulators and Tories encountered difficulties. The nearly 3,000 Regulators (Loyalists) who initially promised to march to the coast had a change of heart and returned home. On February 16, 1776, only 167 of the 3,000 Regulators mustered in Cross Creek, North Carolina (present-day Fayetteville).

Nearly 1,600 Loyalists, mainly Scottish Highlanders who had recently arrived in the colony of North Carolina, marched out of Cross Creek on February 19, 1776. Cold weather and rain plagued the Loyalists; many had no tents or shelter. Weary, cold, and sleep-deprived, the Loyalists attempted to take Moores Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776, the last obstacle before reaching Cape Fear. Just before daybreak, the Loyalists were "well flogged" and "met a proper reception" from the Minute Men who guarded Moores Creek Bridge, marking the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution.

To learn more about the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, please join us on February 27-28th for our 250th Anniversary Event. You can also visit our website for more information.

02/19/2026

The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge 250th Anniversary program is coming up on February 27th and 28th!
As a part of the event, we're excited to host the Second Marine Division Band for a special performance on Saturday February 28th at 2:15 pm. This will take place in the Program Tent, which is located on the traffic island, right across from the Visitor Center.

We hope you'll be able to join us for this performance!

Image is of the Second Marine Division Band.

02/17/2026

Pender County Library and the Pender County Historical Society will host Historian Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. for a talk on the Battle of...