Sunday, March 16, 2008

the battle field...

Today was a pleasant spring-like day filled with excitement and history for us. We went to Greensboro where we shop at the farmers market, yet on this day we went to a battle. A battle you ask? What battle? Well, right there in the north part of the city, the famous Battle of Guilford Court House was being reenacted right near the original spot where the battle was fought.


On March 15, 1781, the Battle of Guilford Court House was fought just north of present-day Greensboro between Generals Charles Cornwallis and Nathanael Greene during the American Revolution. This battle marked a key turning point in the Revolutionary War in the South. Although General Cornwallis, the British Commander, held the field at the end of the battle, his losses were so severe that he decided to withdraw to the Carolina and Virginia coastline, where he could receive reinforcements and his battered army could be protected by the British Navy. His decision ultimately led to his defeat later in 1781 at Yorkown, Virginia, by a combined force of American and French troops and warships.

What an adventure it must of been for these men and women to come to the area, camp, and live like the soldiers did back in the late 1700's for the weekend. And, it rained really hard on Saturday, and most of the people who participated in the event stayed out and weathered it without any modern conveniences.

Greensboro is celebrating it's Bi-Centennial (1808-2008) this year with lots of city activities, and regional events. It is fun to be part of a city's historical celebration. Especially when it is so closely related to all of our lives. Here's a picture of the children on a hill not too far from where the battle was actually fought.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks like fun! And that is a very nice picture of the children. :-D

John and Tiffany said...

I love the photos of your guys. It's the 1st time I've seen a picture of your newest little one! He's so cute!