For those with a penchant for American history, a visit to the Alston House, more commonly known as the House in the Horseshoe, near Sanford, North Carolina, is a must. “Why” you may ask? Because it’s not every day you can roll up on a historic site in the Tar Heel State and view more than two dozen bullet holes inflicted during a battle upon a pre-Revolutionary War home… bullet holes that are still there, in full view.

One might think after a Revolutionary War skirmish that inflicted so many holes upon the home, that the homeowners would be keen to repair the bullet holes. But not in this case. In this one case, the owner was reportedly proud to display his battle scars after all was said and done.
Google/Robert Wilson
The House in the Horseshoe still displays the very punctures that were created by the lead balls fired upon the family that lived here in the late summer of 1781, when British loyalists attacked Philip Alston, a leader of patriot militiamen, and his family.
First, let's start with how the House in the Horseshoe got its name.
Google Maps
It's an easy explanation with no stretch of the imagination needed. The home simply sits in the horseshoe bend of the Deep River located in Moore County, North Carolina, approximately 60 miles southwest of Raleigh.
It's here on this property that in the early morning hours of July 29, 1781, that David Fanning lead a group of British loyalists across the Deep River and onto the property owned by Alston, a leader of patriot militiamen.
Google/Glenn van den Heerik
Alston and his wife and children were at home and in the house when the structure came under fire from the loyalists.
As the story goes, Alston's wife quickly stuck tables into the home's fireplaces and instructed some of the kids to stand on the tables, thereby keeping them safe from stray bullets that might penetrate the walls of the house.
Facebook/House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
As you can see here (and in many places both inside and outside of the House in the Horseshoe), the bullets did penetrate the exterior. Alston's wife is said to have gotten into bed with the youngest of the children. Bullet holes above and next to the bed are still intact — and it's a staggering thought to consider stray bullets whizzing over your children's heads.

Related Stories

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In North Carolina

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In North Carolina

 The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In North Carolina That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In North Carolina That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

 The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through North Carolina That Celebrates The New River

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through North Carolina That Celebrates The New River
The skirmish between Alston's militiamen and the loyalists lasts for three unsettling hours.
Facebook/House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
It's said that six or eight men lost their lives during the battle.
It apparently only ended when Alston's wife noticed the loyalists had loaded a wagon on the property with straw, set it on fire, and rolled it toward the house in an attempt to start a fire and burn the family out.
Google/Michael W
As the story goes, Alston's wife was having nothing of it. She quickly pounced out of bed, bounded outside with a faith that the British loyalists would not shoot a woman, and went to work negotiating a surrender to save her children, herself, and her husband.
Google/Angela Crumm
In the end, Alston would be forced to surrender. A part of the negotiation and agreed upon terms meant that Alston would have to leave his post as leader of the militia. A sacrifice we are sure he was willing to make to save the lives of those in his family, as well as his own.
Each year the House in the Horseshoe has an open house Living History Day in which that skirmish is reenacted, complete with the burning wagon full of straw.
Google/D. R.
The 240th Living History Day at the House in the Horseshoe is set for Saturday, August 7, 2021. This year's event will be a little different in light of the pandemic; no battle reenactment will take place. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is completely free.
In comparison to other countries in the world, America's history may not run long, but it's deep and wide... especially here in North Carolina.
Facebook/House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
Have you visited the House in the Horseshoe to see the bullet holes from this American Revolution skirmish? Maybe it's time for a little road trip!

Learn more about the House in the Horseshoe here, and get more information on the August 7, 2021 Living History Day here. The year 2021 will mark the 240th Living History Day at the House in the Horseshoe.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
House-In-the-Horseshoe, 288 Alston House Rd, Sanford, NC 27330, USA