Moores Creek Bridge | Feb 27, 1776

In early 1776, British officials sought to restore royal authority in North Carolina. Royal Governor Josiah Martin coordinated with Lord George Germain in London, who dispatched Maj. Gen. Henry Clinton with a British army to the southern coast. To prepare for Clinton’s arrival, Martin called upon Loyalist supporters, many of them Scottish Highlanders, to assemble under Brig. Gen. Donald MacDonald at Cross Creek in February.

MacDonald marched his force toward the coast on February 18, aiming to link up with Clinton. Continental commander Col. James Moore moved to block the Loyalist advance, dispatching Col. Richard Caswell and militia to hold a key crossing at Moores Creek Bridge. Caswell fortified the eastern bank, removed the bridge planks, and waited for the Loyalists to approach.

Just after midnight on February 27, MacDonald’s column reached the bridge. Loyalist Capt. John Campbell led a charge with the cry of “King George and broadswords,” only to be met with deadly Patriot rifle and artillery fire. The volleys shattered the attacking ranks and forced a general retreat. Caswell’s men surged forward in pursuit, scattering the Loyalists and capturing hundreds.

The Patriot victory at Moores Creek Bridge secured North Carolina for the Revolution. The defeat discouraged Loyalist recruitment in the region and delayed significant British operations in the South until 1780.