Crowds gather at Moores Creek National Battlefield for ‘First in Freedom’ festival

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — On Friday, history came alive at Moores Creek National Battlefield.

The First in Freedom festival is underway, honoring a pivotal patriot victory in 1776.

The day began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Grady monument, honoring the soldiers who fought and sacrificed here nearly 250 years ago.

Community members and park leaders paused for a moment of reflection before laying the wreath.

People traveled from across the country to honor the first North Carolinian who died for America’s independence, Private John Grady.

Jason Collins is the Chief of Interpretation for the battlefield and says the turnout was outstanding.

“For our little park here in Southeastern North Carolina, we’re kind of off the beaten path a little bit, but to know there are folks coming here from Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Virginia, all over the place, just coming to our little park to pay tribute to John Grady and the other patriots is kind of awe-inspiring in a way,” said Collins.

Friday afternoon, park officials also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil new exhibits inside the visitor center, giving visitors an updated look at the events that helped shape North Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War.

The festival continues Saturday with a guided tour led by a national park service ranger and joined by “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon.

There will also be battle re-enactments, live music, colonial trade demonstrations, and more.