Editorial - January 2004

Battlefield site gets recognition

Published January 28, 2004

The Ramsour’s Mill Battlefield is one of Lincoln County’s most prominent historical sites and has long been a theater for historical events and educational programs on an important Revolutionary War event. We know it’s a place to treasure and it now appears that the state of North Carolina is interested in putting it on the map. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has awarded the Lincoln County Historic Properties Commission a $50,000 grant to construct trails, parking and restroom facilities at the site. The commission will match the grant with $15,000.

Local historians and the Historic Properties Commission have long considered the site a potential tourist attraction. An annual celebration of the battle held each summer already attracts hundreds of people.

The battle fought on that 88-acre tract occurred on June 20, 1780. Some 400 Militia Patriots defeated 1,400 Tories there in a battle considered important because it put an end to Tory support of the British war throughout the area. The battle is said to have inspired the Patriot victory 30 miles away at Kings Mountain less than four months later.

The battlefield is located on Jeb Seagle Road in Lincolnton. Most of the 88 acres of the acreage now holds three schools, but markings and a recording are already set up on the site.

This past weekend one of the landmarks on the site, an old log cabin, was dedicated and formally turned over to the county. The house, known as the Christian Reinhardt’s homeplace, dates back to sometime in the late 18th century. The cabin has belonged to the Glenn  family since 1822. The current descendants, Diane and Fabien Glenn, have graciously agreed to save the site as a parcel of Lincoln County history.

Thanks to everyone who helped preserve this historical site. We expect to see it continue to develop as a tourist attraction for Lincoln County.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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