Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™ Issue 021 December 2012 | Page 12

Project 543 #34 Project 543 Alamance Battleground Follow A Battle That Was A Preview Of The American Revolution I n the late 1700 s , a group of colonists disgruntled with British rule decided to revolt and overthrow the government. This wasn’t Washington and Jefferson, it was a group called the “Regulators.” And unlike their counterparts a few years later, these patriots were defeated in battle and several were hanged as traitors. However, their tactics would become a model for the American Revolution. Today, visitors can tour the site of this pre-Revolutionary War battle at the Alamance Battleground Historic Site in Burlington, see a home that is characteristic of Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com. Photo credit: Burlington / Alamance County Convention & Visitors Bureau 12 that era, learn about what led to the conflict and witness historic re-enactments during the 18th Century Living Experience weekend as well as other special events. A visitor center is located on the very same grounds where Royal Governor William Tryon led the North Carolina militia against the Regulators in battle on May 16, 1771. The center also features an audiovisual program about the site. Alamance Battleground On this site in 1771, an armed rebellion of backcountry farmers — called Regulators — battled against royal governor William Tryon’s militia. Visitors can tour the 18th-century Allen House and battlefield monuments. These features, together with the visitor center’s DVD orientation program, offer a vivid account of this colonial battle, as well as the oppressive British colonial policies that sparked the revolt. Formation of the Regulators During the years leading up to Continued On Page 18 Dashboards and Saddlebags •The Destination Magazine