Description: This lovely home is a true find for history lovers. It dates to the Revolutionary War and you can still see the bullet holes where it was fired upon. Taking a tour here is like stepping back to the times of our founding fathers.
This grand mansion was built by Philip Alston in 1772. It was amongst the first "big houses" built in the burgeoning North Carolina landscape. In addition to being the county clerk, he was also a colonel with the local militia. He and his wife Temperance and their 9 children enjoyed living in their fine new home. The 18th century plantation house features a gabled roof that has a large double-shouldered Flemish bond chimney. The odd name comes from where it sits. It sits stop a hill in the bend of the Deep River, where it still continues to sit as proud and beautiful as when Philip first built it.
There was an actual battle fought on the homestead. I will just touch on the skirmish since I will soon have another journal on some of the events that you can see at these historic sites. John and I were here for their annual battle reenactment, which is the highlight of their events. That will contain a much more descriptive detail of what went on.
Alston and a local named David Fanning were notable enemies in the fight over the King’s influence in the new Americas. Alston was a patriot while Fanning remind loyal to British rule. Around July 29, 1781 Fanning was leading a group of prisoners to the coastal area of Wilmington. Alston and his men managed to capture and kill one of Fanning’s men. In revenge the loyalists surrounded the house while gun shots rang from both sides. Finally a very brave and arduous Mrs. Alton came out and convinced the men to lay down their weapons and leave. After the war Philip served one term as county clerk and when his political opponent, George Glascock, was murdered he was implicated. Though he was never charged with the crime, Philip took his family and moved to Georgia to escape the scandal. In 1791 he was shot to death in his sleep.
In 1798 retiring North Caronlina Governor Benjamin Williams and his family moved to the home. Williams went on to farm cotton on the plantation, which would make him a wealthy man. The plantation grew and prospered under his tutelage. He would eventually own about 100 slaves and make changes and additions to the home. Benjamin also enjoyed horse racing. He owned several thoroughbreds and owned a race track in one of the nearby fields. He would often go as far as Williamsburg, VA, to race. Williams died in the home in on July 20, 1814. He is buried on the grounds along with his Elizabeth, his first wife Mary, and his son Benjamin. His family continued to reside here until 1853.
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