Moore's Creek Bridge, Battle of

The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge is a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought near Wilmington, North Carolina on February 27, 1776.

The victory of North Carolina Patriots over Southern Loyalists helps build political support for the revolution and increases recruitment of additional soldiers into their forces.Loyalist recruitment efforts in the interior of North Carolina began in earnest with news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and Patriots in the province also began organizing Continental Army and militia units.

When word arrives in January 1776 of a planned British Army expedition to the area, Josiah Martin, the royal governor, orders the Loyalist militia to muster in anticipation of their arrival.

Patriot militia and Continental units mobilized to prevent the junction, blockading several routes until the poorly armed Loyalists are forced to confront them at Moore's Creek Bridge, about 18 miles (29 km) north of Wilmington.In a brief early morning engagement, a charge across the bridge by sword-wielding Loyalist Scotsmen is met by a barrage of musket fire.

One Loyalist leader is killed, another captured, and the whole force is scattered.

In the following days, many Loyalists are arrested, putting a damper on further recruiting efforts.

North Carolina is not militarily threatened again until 1780, and memories of the battle and its aftermath negate efforts by Charles Cornwallis to recruit Loyalists in the area in 1781.

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