The 235th anniversary of the House in the Horseshoe Battle will be remembered with a re-enactment and other activities Aug. 6-7. Revolutionary War and domestic life activities will make for a day of family-friendly fun. A highlight of the event will be a re-enactment of the 1781 fight between patriot Phillip Alston and British Loyalist David Fanning. Admission is free; there is a $5 parking fee.
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 activities. On the domestic scene, skillet throwing, weaving, spinning, a discussion on herbs, 18th century beer brewing and surgeons and medicines will be presented. The event is part of the "It's Revolutionary!" observance at colonial era state historic sites. Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be tours of the Alston House, where bullet holes remain, and an 18th century fashion show. A food truck will provide tasty temptations as well.
Spend a day in the 18th century learning about the two leaders shared a mutual hatred for each other. See the lengths they went to in support of their beliefs and their country. The skirmish between the patriots and the loyalists ended with the surrender of Alston after Fanning's men attempted to set the house on fire with a wagon of burning hay.
The House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site is located at 288 Alston Rd., Sanford and is 16 miles west of Sanford off NC 42 and 10 miles north of Carthage on the Carbonton-Carthage Road (State Road 1006/16310). The House in the Horseshoe Preservation Committee, Inc. sponsors the event. All public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities.
House in the Horseshoe is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.