Fourth graders step back in time at Battle of Moores Creek Bridge reenactment

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — It’s been nearly 250 years since the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, and on Thursday, groups of 4th graders had the opportunity to learn about this part of local history.

Canon and musket fire echoed across the Moores Creek National Battlefield on Thursday as Pender County fourth graders stepped back in time to experience a major moment in local history.

“Instead of just a typical musket demonstration, these students actually get to watch our battle commemoration program,” said Jason Collins.

Jason Collins is the Chief of Interpretation for the battlefield and says that students seeing the full reenactment of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge makes history come alive.

“Canon firing, the musket firings, they can hear the bagpipes playing, really get immersed in the story of what took place here 250 years ago,” said Collins.

Beyond the battlefield, students rotated through different stations of colonial hands-on demonstrations, learning what life was like during the Revolutionary War.

Luis Cruz has participated in the program for 20 years and says this event marks a defining moment in North Carolina history.

“It’s a watershed moment, a significant moment if you will, for our state,” said Cruz.

Cruz also serves as assistant principal at Carolina Beach Elementary and Mary C. Williams Elementary and says having his own students in the crowd made this reenactment even more special.

“Getting all these kids out here every day, I mean, for this event, makes it even more so because my class, my kids are here. This is the best, they get to see me in a different way,” said Cruz.

After learning about the Revolutionary War in school, Carolina Beach Elementary fourth grader, Leah Phillips, says this experience beats any textbook.

“It’s been actually really cool, I’ve enjoyed today a lot. The canon was awesome,” said Phillips.

Many other educational events are happening on Friday and Saturday at Moores Creek National Battlefield, and information on the remaining events can be found on their website at https://www.ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com/