Battle of Cane Creek
Description
On September 12, 1780, Burke County militiamen under Colonel Charles McDowell and Rutherford County militiamen under Colonel Andrew Hampton were encamped near Pilot Mountain at White Oak Springs when they received word that Major Patrick Ferguson and a detachment of loyalist were headed their way. The militiamen laid an ambuscade along Cane Creek at the ford. The fierce fighting which followed resulted in both sides withdrawing with casualties. Over the following few days, McDowell and Hampton lead their 160 men northwest, over the mountains, and to the safety of the overmountain region where they brought more news about the British advance into North Carolina.The exact location of the skirmish along Cane Creek is under study during 2014. A marker along US Hwy 64 a mile south of NC Hwy 226 commemorates the events which took place in the general area.
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Battle of Cane Creek marker
Photo by Randell Jones
Looking south along US Hwy 64 about one mile south of NC Hwy 226. This marker commemorates events in the general area. The actual site of the battle is under investigation during 2014. [View Additional File Details]