Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
The Trust’s award-winning program, The Liberty Trail, has expanded to the Tar Heel State. The Liberty Trail North Carolina website features tours for Moores Creek Bridge, Pyle's Defeat, Ramsour's Mill and Guilford Courthouse, connecting these sites to the larger, multi-state network of places that played a role in America’s Revolutionary story.
“I could not be more excited for people to explore North Carolina’s history with The Liberty Trail,” said Trust President David Duncan. “As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek, and prepare for our nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration this summer, it is the perfect time to deepen our understanding of the role North Carolina played in America’s founding conflict.”
The Liberty Trail North Carolina will not stop at its day one offerings. In the coming months, more tours, historic sites, educational resource and travel tips will soon be added to the website, as well as a mobile app to help visitors easily learn on the go. Lesson plans are being added to the list, such as plans for Moores Creek Bridge and North Carolina at War Animated Map.
The expansion was made possible with support from the John William Pope Foundation, Moores Creek National Battlefield and the state of North Carolina.
The Trust has also partnered with the state of North Carolina to launch the North Carolina History Explorer. The interactive kiosk, featuring The Liberty Trail sites, maps and other educational resources from the Trust, will premiere in welcome centers across the state.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, North Carolina patriot militiamen tested their revolutionary resolve against North Carolina’s loyalist troops in the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. The patriots’ quick victory ended British hopes for a sustained loyalist presence in the colony.
The Liberty Trail began in 2018 with land preservation and interpretation in South Carolina. The Trail expanded to New Jersey in late 2024. Massachusetts joined the ranks in April 2025, just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Shot Heard ‘Round the World. Last December, Virginia was added on the semiquincentennial of the Battle of Great Bridge.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
