The last battle fought in North Carolina during the American Revolution, occurring four days before the British surrender at Yorktown.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 15, 1781
- Location
- Near Red Springs, Robeson County, North Carolina
- Days before Yorktown surrender
- 4 days
- Patriot commander
- Maj. Joseph Graham
- Loyalist commander
- Col. Hector McNeill
- Outcome
- Patriot victory; Loyalist forces scattered
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
General Griffith Rutherford led a Patriot expedition against Wilmington, North Carolina in late 1781. The region around Raft Swamp had long served as a refuge for Loyalist forces, who had recently achieved a victory at McPhaul's Mill, prompting continued Patriot military operations to suppress Loyalist resistance in the area.
On October 15, 1781, the Patriot cavalry vanguard under Maj. Joseph Graham encountered mounted Loyalists commanded by Col. Hector McNeill on Rockfish Creek. Graham's cavalry charged and broke the Loyalist horsemen, leading to fierce fighting on two narrow causeways. A series of charges and confused engagements continued until darkness ended the action, with Patriot forces occupying the field.
The Loyalist forces scattered and their organized resistance in the area was broken. This engagement proved to be the final battle fought in North Carolina during the American Revolution. A state historic marker now commemorates the site, and the battle occurred just four days before the British surrender at Yorktown effectively ended the war.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Maj. Joseph Graham, Gen. Griffith Rutherford.
Side B
1 belligerent
Col. Hector McNeill.