Wilmington

In January 1781, British Maj. Henry Craig launched an attack on Wilmington, North Carolina. Hoping to deter the British from reaching the city, the North Carolina militia set out to meet them. On January 29, Craig’s troops surrounded the American militia encampment at Heron Bridge north of the city. After a brief skirmish, the militia was forced to retreat with the British in pursuit. 

The skirmish took place at the Heron drawbridge along the Cape Fear River. The bridge, which was built in 1768 to link Wilmington to northern trade routes, was destroyed as the Americans fled. Prior to its destruction, the bridge was a local landmark and was the only functional drawbridge in North Carolina. Today, visitors can find a sign located on Castle Hayne Road (US 117), just north of Orange Street in Castle Hayne, NC, that marks the original location of the bridge.