Legend vs. Reality

According to the Guilford Battle Ground Company, the British Guards emerged from the woods, crossed this open field, and clashed on the right with the American third line. In the 1880s this version of the battle seemed to agree with the historical research of Company founder David Schenck. Convinced that the third line action occurred here within the original boundaries of the park, he placed the American Cavalry obelisk on this hill.<br><br>Benefiting from historical information that has come to light since Schenck’s time, park historians now have a different picture of what happened here. In 1781 the cleared area was significantly larger, extending toward the courthouse. Taking advantage of the terrain, the American third line was actually a ridgeline ¼ mile east near Tour Stop 6. By focusing on historically accurate terrain, you can better follow the chaotic battle action and its implications.