2019 House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment
The 40th Annual House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment comes to life on August 3-4, 2019 at the House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site in Sanford, North Carolina. There will be a variety of Revolutionary War activities and demonstrations throughout the day including a reenactment of the fight between Patriot and Loyalist militias held at 2:00 p.m. both days. There is a $5.00 fee for parking.
House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment
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 of the House in the Horseshoe Battle Re-Enactment. On the domestic scene, skillet throwing, weaving, spinning, a discussion on herbs, 18th century beer brewing and surgeons and medicines will be presented.
The Midnight Midwives will be in the garden during the weekend giving short lectures on medicinal gardens and apothecary recipes during the revolutionary war. Also on the House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment schedule is the battle, musket and cannon demos, a fashion show of the same time period, an interactive look at children’s games, and so much more.
Reenactment Event Hours
Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Admission – Free
Parking – $5 (used to maintain house)
House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment Mini-Gallery
History of the Battle at House in the Horseshoe
During the American Revolution, groups of citizen-soldiers called Whigs or revolutionists, and Tories, who were still loyal to the king of England, waged irregular warfare against each other in North Carolina’s backcountry (western frontier).
The Alson House, (House in the Horseshoe) was then the home of Whig colonel Philip Alston. On the morning of July 29, 1781, while Alston and his band of revolutionaries were camped at the home, they were attacked by a larger unit of Tories, whose leader was the notorious David Fanning.
Mrs. Alston and the children sought refuge by standing inside the chimney of the home. When the loyalists decided to set the home on fire by rolling against it a cart filled with burning straw, Mrs. Alston bravely went to the front porch and negotiated a truce.
After several casualties on both sides, Alston surrendered. The house was left riddled with bullet holes, many of which can still be seen today.
About the Alston House
The House in the Horseshoe is a historic house in Sanford, North Carolina , and a historic site managed by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources’ Historic Sites division.
Location
House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
288 Alston House Road
Sanford, NC 27330
910-947-2051
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the next House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment the first weekend in August in Sanford, North Carolina.
Tags: House in the Horseshoe Battle Reenactment, House in the Horseshoe Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment, Living History