Alamance Battleground to Host 'Fight for the Backcountry-Battle of Alamance Reenactment' May 18

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will host a reenactment of the 1771 Battle of Alamance, Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visitors will experience the smoke and power of six cannons similar to those used against protesting farmers at the volatile conclusion to the Regulator movement. The program will feature a battle reenactment, military drills, artillery and musket drills, and demonstrations of colonial life. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors.

During the 1760s, North Carolina farmers calling themselves Regulators acted against a corrupt colonial government. The Regulators demanded changes like secret ballot voting, elimination of local corruption, and transparent government. After years of political organization including petitions, lawsuits, and elections, the Regulators retaliated against the local officials who were abusing them in Hillsborough, forcing a response by the colonial governor, William Tryon.

Alamance Battleground will recapture the scene of the conflict that involved almost 2,000 North Carolina farmers who faced a force under Governor Tryon of 1,000 militia at the Battle of Alamance on May 16, 1771. Known as Regulators because of a desire to regulate public officials, after years of abuse they stood their ground and made their voice heard at Alamance. The Regulator uprising was crushed, destroying their attempt at reform.

About Alamance Battleground
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site preserves the legacy of the May 16, 1771 Battle of Alamance when almost 2,000 backcountry farmers, mostly unarmed, confronted a 1,000-man militia of colonial Governor William Tryon. The site is located at 5803 NC 62 S, Burlington, N.C.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

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