In October 1772, Philip Alston purchased 4,000 acres of land on the bend of the Deep River. Not long after the purchase, he had a large two-story wood frame house built on a rise in the land overlooking the river. This house would become the site of an iconic battle, of which you can still see evidence today. Alston’s house became known as the House in the Horseshoe and will be commemorating 250 years of historic legacy March 25, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
An opening ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. with a brief presentation about the history of the house along with recognition of preservation groups present. Cake will be served at the conclusion of the opening ceremony for visitors to enjoy.
The Alston House will be open for guided tours featuring highlights from throughout the home’s 250 years. Visitors are asked to bring any photos of them through the years at the Alston House to add to the “Bullet-in” board. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guest book and leave their own memories.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the grounds of the Alston House during the program. No chairs or tables will be provided for the picnic, but visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets.
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 a militia skirmish between the owner, Whig Col. Philip Alston, and Loyalist Col. David Fanning. The house still bears some of 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.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, three science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 41 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C. Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, and the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.