Tory vs. Whig…Loyalist vs. Patriot…Neighbor vs. Neighbor…the Revolutionary War goes by many names. The scars of this personal and complicated war can still be witnessed at House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site. Come experience the American Revolution during the 237th anniversary of the House in the Horseshoe Battle Re-enactment Aug. 4-5.
See how the mutual hatred of patriot Philip Alston and British loyalist David Fanning sparked a skirmish in the summer of 1781. Spend a day in the 18th century learning about these two leaders and sworn enemies. See the lengths they went to in support of their beliefs and their country.
Musket and cannon firing drills, tomahawk throwing, Revolutionary War militia camps and a wreath-laying ceremony by the Sons of the American Revolution are among the many scheduled activities. On the domestic scene, skillet throwing, weaving, spinning, 18th century butchering, clothing and currency talks will all be presented. Altogether it makes this event one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events and a TripAdvisor favorite.
Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The battle reenactment will begin at 2:00 p.m. both days. There will also be food trucks and tours of the Alston House, where bullet holes remain. The program is free; parking is $5.
Located at 288 Alston House Road, Sanford, House in the Horseshoe is 16 miles west of Sanford off NC 42 and 10 miles north of Carthage on the Carbonton-Carthage Road. The house was built in 1772 by Philp Alston. During the American Revolution Alston proved a fiery leader for the Whig cause. In 1781 the Alston house was the site of militia skirmish between the owner, Whig Col. Philip Alston, and Loyalist Col. David Fanning. The house still bears some the scars from this engagement. From 1798 to 1814 the House in the Horseshoe, under the name Retreat, was home to another Patriot leader and four time North Carolina governor, Benjamin Williams.
House in the Horseshoe is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.