Living history played out in famous Revolutionary War battle
Jon Mayhew, Editor Lincoln Tribune
Lincolnton -- Hundreds of people flocked to the old log cabin behind Lincolnton High School to witness the reenactment of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle which would eventually lead to British defeat and gain America independence.
According to Lincoln County Historical Coordinator Darrell Harkey, the reenactments have been taking place for the past 12 years behind the high school.
A road marker that reads "Tuckaseegee Road" marks the spot near the log cabin where British troops first made their assault 227 years ago.
"Tuckaseegee Road once ran from Charlotte to right here at Ramsour's Mill," said Harkey, adding the battle was pivotal for a very important reason. "It's where Cornwallis made the fateful decision to burn his supply wagons."
The event started with a memorial service, where 40 wreaths from sons, daughters and children of American revolution chapters from six states were laid at a mass grave.
After a 21-musket salute, people flocked to the cabin to enjoy some 300 pounds of barbecue provided by the Harkey family.
Later, the sounds of musket fire filled the air as battle reenactments began. An occasional loud boom from a cannon could be heard, rattling some windows in homes near the reenactment site.
The weekend included the reenactments; a ghost walk in the field behind the cabin Saturday night; and an old-fashioned church service Sunday morning.
The Warlick family was also honored with a wreath laying Saturday afternoon.
For Dot Wilkins, 79, the trip from Fayetteville, Ga., had special meaning: she's the oldest Warlick family member alive.
"My family's into the living history reenactments," said Wilkins. "I come to the event every year."
The event also had special meaning for Harkey, as he was presented with a good citizenship medal for work to put the reenactment together by the North Carolina Society of Sons of the American Revolution.
Robert Lee Brown, the co-chairman for NCSSAR's historic sites and celebrations, said the living history battle deeply touched him.
"I had family that fought in the battle," said Brown. "These brave men fought for what they believed in. It pitted father against son and brother against brother."
In the original Battle of Ramsour's Mill -- held June 20, 1780 -- more than 130 men from both sides were killed and 100 soldiers wounded.
Despite the losses, NCSSAR president Dr. Samuel Powell said the battle marked a major victory for Patriot forces.
"It was a major blow to both Gen. Cornwallis and the British military presence," said Powell.
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Jon Mayhew, Editor
After a 21-musket salute, people flocked to the cabin to enjoy some 300 pounds of barbecue provided by the Harkey family.
