The Battle Begins

At what was then an open field, the first American line stood facing the British, who arrived a quarter-mile away and formed well-ordered ranks on either side of New Garden Road. To the untrained North Carolina militia, citizen-soldiers, the approaching redcoats appeared confident and lethally professional. The fighting opened with a terrifying exchange of cannon fire, the roll of drums, and a clear view of British bayonets. As the redcoats advanced, an American volley tore holes in their ranks, but the battle-hardened soldiers closed the gaps and at fifty yards fired a return volley into the patriot line. The British then charged with bayonets lowered, and the center of the American line panicked and ran, giving the battle a disastrous start from an American perspective.

Greensboro, North Carolina · United States