Sanford
Dec 3, 2015
Period music will drift through the historic Alston House during the Christmas Open House Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site. Historic re-enactors in colonial attire will demonstrate a variety of activities inside and outside at the seasonally decorated historic gem. Step back in time for a glimpse at the colonial Christmas experience.
In addition to spinning and weaving demonstrations to watch and learn, there will be colonial games to enjoy. As a reminder of the fervor of the American Revolution, there will be musket and cannon firings. A special treat will be tours of the home that still bears the bullet holes from the Revolutionary War. It will be decorated into the New Year.
End your visit with cider and light refreshments provided by the House in the Horseshoe Preservation Committee. The event is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Inclement weather may force cancellation of the program so please check the House in the Horseshoe Facebook page regarding this and other events.
The House in the Horseshoe was built in 1772 and was the home of Philip Alston, a spirited Revolutionary leader. The house was also the site of a 1781 Revolutionary War militia skirmish between the owner, Whig Col. Philip Alston, and the Tory Col. David Fanning. Many bullet holes remain from the battle. The House in the Horseshoe was also the home of another Patriot and four time governor of North Carolina, Benjamin Williams.
For additional information, please call (910) 947-2051. House in the Horseshoe is located 16 miles west of Sanford off NC 42 and 10 miles north of Carthage on the Carbonton-Carthage Road (State Road 1006/1631). It is within the Division of State Historic Sites administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.