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Battle of Moore’s Creek

The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge (often spelled Moores Creek Bridge) was a short but pivotal engagement in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. It took place on February 27, 1776, near Wilmington in present-day Pender County, North Carolina (about 18-20 miles northwest of Wilmington, near modern Currie). This clash is recognized as the first decisive Patriot victory of the Revolution and the last major broadsword charge by Scottish Highlanders in battle. Background North Carolina was deeply divided, with significant Loyalist (Tory) support, especially among Scottish Highland immigrants. British Royal Governor Josiah Martin, exiled aboard a ship, planned to restore royal control by rallying Loyalists to march to the coast and link up with expected British naval reinforcements (including troops and arms). Loyalist forces, about 1,600–1,800 strong (mostly Highland Scots led by Brigadier General Donald MacDonald), assembled at Cross Creek (modern Fayetteville) and began marching toward the Cape Fear River coast in February 1776. Patriot militia, under overall command of Colonel James Moore, mobilized to block them. Colonel Richard Caswell led a key detachment of around 800–1,000 Patriots (including minutemen from New Bern and Wilmington districts). The Loyalists aimed to evade larger Patriot forces and reach the coast, but Patriots maneuvered to intercept them. The Battle Patriot forces under Caswell reached Moores Creek Bridge first. They fortified the east bank with earthworks, removed planks from the bridge, and greased the remaining stringers with tallow and soap to make crossing difficult or impossible. Late on February 26, Loyalists camped nearby. Early on February 27 (around 1 a.m.), they marched forward. Thinking the Patriots had retreated after abandoning a west-bank position, Loyalists advanced across the partially dismantled bridge in the pre-dawn darkness. As they charged (shouting cries like "King George and Broadswords!" and led by figures like Captain John Campbell and Lieutenant Colonel Donald McLeod), Patriots opened fire with muskets, rifles, and artillery from concealed positions. The bridge became a deadly bottleneck. The fighting lasted only about 3 minutes (some accounts say up to 30 minutes total including pursuit). Loyalists suffered heavy casualties in the initial volley—around 30–70 killed (including key leaders like McLeod) and 20–40 wounded. Many surrendered or fled in disarray. Patriot losses were minimal: only 1 killed (Private John Grady) and 1 wounded. Aftermath and Significance The routed Loyalists scattered; many were later captured (up to 850 total prisoners reported in some accounts), and their force was effectively destroyed as a fighting unit. This ended any immediate threat of Loyalist-British control in North Carolina. The victory: -Solidified Patriot control of the colony. -Ended hopes for a quick British southern campaign. -Boosted morale and emboldened the North Carolina Provincial Congress. -Led directly to North Carolina becoming the first colony to instruct its delegates to vote for independence (April 12, 1776, the "Halifax Resolves"), paving the way for the Declaration of Independence. The site is preserved today as Moores Creek National Battlefield, a U.S. National Park Service unit with reconstructed earthworks, a visitor center, trails, and monuments. In February 2026, the park and related events commemorated the battle's 250th anniversary. This small action had outsized importance in preventing a potential British foothold in the South early in the war. Gork 2/28/26