Following his defeat at Cowpens in January 1781, Charles, Lord Cornwallis was engaged in a relentless pursuit of Daniel Morgan and his British prisoners. Bad roads, bad communication, bad weather, and uncooperative neighbors made travel slow and difficult, especially with all of the wagons and supplies required to service his troops.

Arriving at Ramsour's Mill four days after Morgan had left, Cornwallis was disheartened. To pick up speed, he needed to shed the encumbrances that were slowing him down. He ordered a fire. A big one. His soldiers were happy to oblige. Up in flames went the senior officers' wagons, the hospital wagons, and even the provision wagons, but not before he issued an extra ration of rum before the stores were destroyed.

The rest, they say, is history.

Feeling cooped up? Join the Lincoln County Historical Association on Saturday, January 28 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Ramsour's Mill Cabin on Jeb Seagle Drive (behind Battleground Elementary) as they commemorate Cornwallis' 1781 "burning of the baggage" with food and hot cider, demonstrations by Lincoln County Hearth Cooks, music and more!

Bring a lawn chair and join LCHA by the bonfire as we toast (roast) Cornwallis (and a marshmallow or two). Family-friendly old-time fun and fellowship for members and friends of the Lincoln County Historical Association.