Legend vs. Reality

According to the Guilford Battle Ground Company, the British Guards emerged from the woods, crossed this open field, and clashed on the right with the American third line. In the 1880s this version of the battle seemed to agree with the historical research of Company founder David Schenck. Convinced that the third line action occurred here within the original boundaries of the park, he placed the American Cavalry obelisk on this hill. Historical information that came to light after Schenck’s time has produced a different picture. In 1781 the cleared area was significantly larger, extending toward the courthouse, and the American third line was actually a ridgeline one-quarter mile east near Tour Stop 6. Focusing on historically accurate terrain better follows the chaotic battle action and its implications.

Greensboro, North Carolina · United States