The battle that took place here has an interesting background. The regulators were backwoods settlers who rebelled against corrupt government officials. Governor Tryon organized a militia to demand that the regulators surrender their guns and sign a loyalty oath. Of course, the regulators refused, so this two hour battle occurred. The governor’s militia had 8 cannon (the regulators, zero), and the “battle” was over in two hours. It was a rout for the governor. Due to the proximity of the battle to the Revolutionary War, this battle has been erroneously been credited as the first battle of the revolution. Actually the regulators were not rebelling against the crown, but rather corrupt local officials.
Historically, during the Revolutionary War, about half of the regulators supported the crown, and the others supported independence. Similarly, members of the governor’s militia were split. So men who fought with each other in the Alamance battle, fought against each other in the revolution!Bronze 3-pounder cannon tube, like the ones used in the battle.The Regulators were camped out in these woods, and came out for the battle.Facing opposite the woods, the governor’s militia.Etched in the monument “FIRST BATTLE OF THE REVOLUTION”This monument erroneously honors James Hunter, mixing up information for 2 different James Hunters, including one who was not involved at Alamance!For those who watched the Outlander series, this is the tree where they hanged Roger McKenzie. LOL
