Location
Other maps: Bing, Google, MapQuest.
Coordinates: 36.1771, -79.5772.
Type: Stop
Tour: Guilford Battle
County: Guilford
Difficult
Most of this battlefield is hidden from public view on private property, or there is no safe place to park; otherwise it would be a full-blown “Sight.” One option is to read down to the start of “Crossing the Creek” (or have someone read it as you drive) and then approach up Highway 61, north from I-40/85. That way you can imagine the opening scenes of the battle as you pass those spots on your way to the coordinates.
The coordinates are at the dead end of a road off the highway, Woellners Way. Small vehicles can park there, but larger ones should park further back so they don’t block driveways at the end. This is the old highway, which means public right-of-way continues straight from the end of the road to the creek. Be aware most of the open area to the right is private property.
Description
The Situation
Continental Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene withdrew his Continental army to Virginia in early 1781 until he was ready to confront the British army chasing it, a campaign now called the “Race to the Dan.” Soon after, he returned to North Carolina and moved near Guilford Court House in today’s Greensboro, having recognized it during the Race as an excellent defensive position for a battle. However, he knew more part-time soldiers (“militia”) were coming to join him, so Greene was changing his position frequently in hopes of delaying that confrontation. Greene sent infantry under Col. Otho Williams and the cavalry of Lt. Col. “Light Horse Harry” Lee, a total of about 700 men, to the east to watch for and slow down the British.
