Alamance+County

Chelsea Perkins

Alamance County – Alamance Battle, May 16, 1771

With this lesson, students will learn about the events leading up to the Alamance Battle in 1771. This is an important battle, because it paved the way for the American Revolution to occur a few years later. Students will learn about the Regulators, William Tryon, and why people were so unhappy at the time.

The lesson would begin by having students will view a presentation about the battle. The presentation would present the necessary background information, explain the events leading up to the battle, and then the actual battle itself. Although it was a relatively short fight, historians write that “the first blood spilled in the United States in resistance to executions of English rulers and oppressions by the English government” occurred here.* The presentation would also cover the events that occurred after the battle, including the American Revolution.

Then, a field trip will be taken to view the Alamance Battleground. Special demonstrations are performed by costumed interpreters and actors, which would be requested ahead of time. Students will view various battle positions, the Regulars campsite, and also the 1880 granite column which commemorates the battle. A tour of the Allen House would also be taken, as the house has a special connection to Herman Husband, a very prominent figure in the battle.

After returning, students will complete various activities. First, students will write an entry in their journals, which will be graded for completion only. Students will reflect on the experience, share something interesting that they learned, the favorite place they saw, any questions they have, etc. The entry will have to be at least one page in length and will be collected the next day for homework. Students would also be asked to create a brochure about the Alamance Battleground. Many people do not know that this exhibit or battle even exists, so students will include important facts about the battle and why it is important in North Carolina History. Students should try to persuade the general audience that they need to visit the Battleground. It will be graded for accuracy and creativity.

* http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/nc_post&CISOPTR=1971&CISOBOX=1&REC=10