Rich finds at Alamance battleground

During a visit to Durham, N.C., the Picket stopped by a nearby battleground some say witnessed the beginning of the American Revolution.

But there's a lot of Civil War history, too.

The Regulators fought back against tryanny under Britain. They were upset with excessive taxes and dishonesty. Gov. Tryon rounded up the North Carolina militia and marched on the Regulators in early 1771.

Militia members were neighbors of the rebellious farmers, and at first balked at firing on May 16, 1771. Eventually, the militia carried the day, but discontent in the Tarheel state remained until the Revolution officially began just four years later.

Recently, an archaeological dig found items that proved the battle occurred as history states.

Researchers also found a Revolutionary War button (U.S., right) that belonged to someone in a Delaware unit. Capt. Robert Kirkwood led the Delaware Light Infantry on a raid against British General Charles Cornwallis’ forces at the site on March 5, 1781, just 10 days before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse west of Alamance County.

During the Civil War, area Quakers and Moravians, like in generations past, assisted those wounded in conflict.

Confederate units under Gen. William Hardee camped at the battleground, making it home to three different "wars." This button from a 3rd North Carolina Junior Reserve (older men and young boys) unit commanded by Col. John Hinsdale during the Civil War was also found at the site.

Alamance Battleground Site Manager Bryan Dalton provided an excellent overview of these tumultuous times. About 150 items were found in recent digs.

• More about the Alamance research