Anniversary Of The Battle of Moores Creek

Celebrate the Patriot victory of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, their first victory prior the Declaration of Independence, Halifax Accord and War for Independence, with a full weekend of festivities.

As part of the national America 250 commemoration, North Carolina will spotlight its uniquely Scottish-influenced path to independence during the **North Carolina First in Freedom Festival**, culminating in the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, February 26–28, 2026, at Moores Creek National Battlefield

In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, patriot forces needed an innovative solution to slow the Loyalist advance across Moores Creek Bridge.

The previous night, Patriot forces guarding the bridge disassembled it leaving girders exposed making it difficult for the loyalist forces to cross the bridge.

To make things even more difficult for the advancing loyalists the patriots greased the girders with soft soap and tallow.

This innovation to make the bridge an obstacle aided in the first decisive victory of the American Revolution for the patriots!

Don’t miss the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge February 26, 2026 – February 28, 2026.

A featured event of the festival will be a special appearance by Diana Gabaldon, internationally known author of the *Outlander* series, whose work has sparked widespread interest in Scottish history and heritage, particularly in North Carolina. Her participation is made possible through the sponsorship of the Scottish Society of Wilmington, which is underwriting her airfare as part of its ongoing mission to promote education and awareness of Scotland’s historical influence in North Carolina.

250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge Schedule

Schedule for Friday February 27th

10:00AM – Wreath Laying Ceremony – Program Tent/Grady Monument
10:00AM-4:00PM – Living History and Militia Encampments and Crafts & Trades – Battlefield and Demonstration Area
12:30 PM – Music Program – NC State Pipes and Drums – Patriot Earthworks
1:00 PM – Battle Demonstration – Narrated program featuring musket and cannon firing followed by memorial dedication. – Patriot Earthworks
2:00 PM – Ribbon Cutting – Unveiling of New Visitor Center exhibits – Visitor Center
2:30 PM – Musket Demonstration – Explanation of weapons; musket firing. – Near the Grady Monument
2:30 PM – “The Bridge of Defiance” – American Battlefield Trust Documentary – Visitor Center Theater
3:00PM – Guest Speaker – “All Our People Here are Ripe for Independence” – Frank McMahon, Assistant Site Manager Historic Halifax State Historic Site – Patriot Earthworks
3:30 PM – Battle Demonstration – Narrated program featuring musket and cannon firing followed by memorial dedication. – Patriot Earthworks

Schedule for Saturday February 28th

10:00AM-4:00PM – Living History/Militia Encampments and Crafts & Trades – Battlefield and Demonstration Area
10:00 AM – Music Program – Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums – Program Tent
11:00 AM – Colonial Music and Dance – John Bennett – Program Tent
12:00 PM/3:00 PM – Music Program – Tryon Palace Fife and Drums – Patriot Earthworks
12 PM – Reenlistment Ceremony
12:30PM/3:30PM – Battle Demonstration – Narrated program featuring musket and cannon firing followed by memorial dedication – Patriot Earthworks
1:00PM – Music and Dance Program – Annandale School – Program Tent/Stage
1:30PM – Meet the Authors – Jack Fryar, Suzanne Adair, and Bert Dunkerly – Park Amphitheater
2:15PM – Music Program – Second Marine Division Band – Program Tent
2:30PM – Musket Demonstration – Explanation of weapons; musket firing. – Near the Grady Monument

Price: Free for spectators | Food and drink available for purchase

Event Times: February 26–28, 2026,

Moores Creek National Battlefield
40 Patriots Hall Drive, Currie, NC 28435
(910) 283-5591 x2234

Anniversary Of The Battle of Moores Creek

Don’t miss the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge February 26, 2026 – February 28, 2026.

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Don’t miss the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge February 26, 2026 – February 28, 2026.

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