During the winter of 1781, Gen. Nathanael Greene and the Southern American Army led the British away from their base of supply in South Carolina and across 200 miles of the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont. Many of his soldiers were naked or nearly so and barefoot, leaving bloody footprints in the red clay. This strategic campaign, dubbed the Race to the Dan River, preceded the battle at Guilford Courthouse and was given highest national significance by a 2008 National Park Service study.
Greene, portrayed by D’oyle Moore, returns to the Yadkin River this Saturday, Sept. 21, in commemoration of the events which took place in the region more than 200 years ago.
The celebration will take place at Boone’s Cave Park on the Yadkin, 3352 Boone’s Cave Road, Lexington, in the Churchland area of Davidson County. The park is located 3.4 miles west of N.C. 150 and 4.7 miles north of I-85, on the east side of the Yadkin River. The public event will begin at noon and end at 4 p.m. Greene will give presentations at 1 and 2:30. He and his wife, Catherine Littlefield Greene, will otherwise be available to talk with the public.
Admission, hot dogs, chips and drinks are free. There will be a drawing for a door prize. Other attractions at the park will also be open to visitors.
There is a covered picnic shelter at the park. In case of significant rain, the event will be held on Sept. 28. Guests are asked to park in designated areas.
Further information is available online at www.trading-ford.org/events.html. The event is sponsored by the Trading Ford Historic District Preservation Association.