Location
Other maps: Bing, Google, MapQuest.
Coordinates: 36.0350, -79.5269.
Type: Stop
Tour: Regulators
County: Alamance
Full
The coordinates take you to a set of markers on the grounds of Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina—check its hours before you go. After entering the grounds, take the first right, at the small sign saying “Clapp’s Mill Historic Site.” This leads to a circular parking lot.
Park, and walk past the picnic shelter at the far end of the lot from its entrance. Go to the lake edge somewhere between the shelter and the clubhouse on the right.
If you want to remain in your vehicle, try to park where you can see to the left of the clubhouse across the water running behind it.
Context
After the British chased the Continental Army of Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene through North Carolina to Virginia in the Race to the Dan, in early 1781, Greene returned to confront the Redcoats.
Situation
Patriots
For a time Greene moved his army frequently, delaying battle until he could gather more part-time “militia” soldiers. A “Light Corps” under Col. Otho Williams, built for rapid movement, was screening him from the British.
British
While searching for Greene, the army of Lt. Gen. Lord Charles Cornwallis had camped between Buffalo Creek south of here (to your right as you drove in) and the Alamance battlefield from the Regulator War of ten years earlier.
Date
Friday, March 2, 1781.
Timeline
