40 Hike Challenge: #30 Moore’s Creek National Battlefield

Distance: 0.9 mile loop

Degree of difficulty: Easy

Elevation Change: Gain, 20 feet; loss, 20 feet

Source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains – to – Sea Trail

Hike 30 gives us history buffs something to really dive into. The trail itself is less than a mile, but it is well designed so that you walk away with a deeper realization of what happened in this very important point in history. Moore’s Creek was a crucial battle early in the American Revolution because it was the first clearly decisive victory for the Patriots over the Loyalists. It was also pivotal for North Carolina because just 2 months later, they were the first delegates at the 2nd Continental Congress to declare freedom. Thus the State motto: “First in Freedom”

Moore’s Creek National Battlefield is part of the National Park Service. The 0.9 mile loop through the site provides the observer with excellent information and viewpoints to learn about the finer aspects of this brief but significant battle.

The Visitor’s Center has an informative and well produced film about the conflict as well as numerous exhibits, books and souvenirs. We met one of the volunteers at the site who was extremely helpful and eager to share interesting facts about the battle and the Revolutionary War.

The battle of Moore’s Creek occurred early in the morning on February 27, 1776. Within minutes, the patriots, under the cunning leadership of Col. Richard Caswell, defeated the loyalists and General MacDonald- thus cutting off needed supplies, money and troops which were intended to support the British along the coast. Some of the men that were supporting the loyalists were Scottish Highlanders, leading the charge yelling and waving their Claymores. Obviously, they were no match for the muskets and cannon fire.

The earthworks that were hastily constructed by the patriots are still visible in the fields. Many information signs as well audio stations help guide the hiker through the events.

Through the years, there have been various monuments dedicated to the men and women involved throughout the war of independence.

The main path is constructed of recycled, shredded tires. Kimberly and I found this to be fascinating. It obviously felt comfortable to walk on, but it also blended well into the environment. I am curious why we don’t see this more often on greenways and parks.

One final plus of this hike was being able to collect more Passport stamps from the NPS Visitor’s Center. If you haven’t caught this ‘bug’, I highly recommend it. The NPS has Passport books with sections and pages for all the Parks. You can get specific stamps for your book at each of the parks. It can easily become an addiction.

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