Moores Creek
National Battlefield

The 86.5 acre park commemorates the decisive February 27, 1776 victory by 1,000 Patriots over 1,600 Loyalists at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. The battle ended Royal Governor Josiah Martin's hopes of regaining control of the colony for the British crown. In addition, this first decisive Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War raised morale for Patriots throughout the colonies. The Loyalist defeat ended British plans for an invasionary force to land in Brunswick, North Carolina. The colony of North Carolina voted to declare independence from the British on April 12, 1776, shortly after the victory at Moores Creek. Acreage: 86.52, all federal. Established June 2,1926.
VISITATION:
Highest in Spring and Summer; lowest in Fall and Winter.

LOCATION:
Currie, North Carolina, 20 miles NW of Wilmington, North Carolina.

ADDRESS:
Mailing:
P.O. Box 69
Currie, North Carolina 28435

200 Moores Creek Drive
Currie, North Carolina 28435

TELEPHONE:
(910) 283-5591

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed January 1 and December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Rain is possible throughout the year, summer months are hot and humid. Winter has several cold spells.

DIRECTIONS:
The park is located on N.C. 210 about three miles west of U.S. 421. The park also is accessible from I-40 by taking NC 210 west about 15 miles to the park. The park is approximately 20 miles NW from Wilmington, North Carolina, a city of 55,000 people. View the Moores Creek map.

TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: car, bicycle, or motor home.
In Park: paved roads to the visitor center and picnic facilities. Two walking trails are available and are about a mile and a third in total length.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No admission fee is charged.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The park visitor center offers exhibits depicting the time period, a 12.5 minute video, and a cooperating sales association outlet.

Trails, Roads:
The park has two self-guided trails including the 1-mile History Trail and the 1/3-mile Tar Heel Trail. The History Trail explains the battle and includes the site where the Patriots and Loyalists clashed on February 27, 1776. The Tar Heel Trail explains the naval stores industry which was the predominate industry of the area during the Colonial Period.

Programs/Activities:
The park holds an annual celebration and commemoration of the battle. The event is held on the last full weekend of February and features a living history encampment, tactical demonstrations, folk singing, and a formal commemoration program on Sunday afternoon including a speaker, military band, and wreath laying ceremony.

During the summer months various afternoon programs, talks, walks and demonstrations are held on the weekends. Guided tours for schools, societies, military groups, and other groups are available with an advanced reservation by calling the park at (910) 283-5591.

Lodging and camping facilities:
The park does not have lodging or camping; both are available in nearby (20 miles) Wilmington, North Carolina.

Food/supplies:
Food and supplies are obtainable in the local area to a limited degree (within one mile) and complete services are in Burgaw or Wilmington, North Carolina.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
A bookstore is available at the park's visitor center and is operated by Eastern National.

Accessibility:
The park visitor center, rest rooms, picnic area, education building, and trails are accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
The park includes the historic site of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge which is a one mile walk. A second trail explains the naval stores industry. Wildlife, wild flower, and birdwatching are available throughout the park. Picnic facilities include tables, grills and a shelter which are first-come and first-served.

For information on archeology, visit SEAC

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:
Battlefield tours and Colonial Living demonstrations can be arranged for schools, colleges, military units, and other groups. Staff Ride booklet is available to qualifying military units. Moores Creek offers a free Teaching Guide to schools for use in fourth, eighth, eleventh and JROTC classes.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations are required for the Patriots Hall, a recreational facility operated under permit. For details, please call (910) 283-5591. Reservations are also required for guided tours.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
The park requires about two hours to see including the visitor center, exhibits, video, and the two trails.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
The Wilmington area includes a historic district, museums, plantations and other areas of interest. Fayetteville, New Bern and other nearby cities offer a variety of museums and historical sites of interest.

Last Updated:Tuesday, 13-Jul-99 12:10:49
http://www.nps.gov/mocr/