North Carolina Historic Sites

In spring and summer, bright flowers surround this plantation house named for its location on a horseshoe bend in the Deep River. The house (ca. 1770) was owned by Philip Alston, whose band of colonists seeking independence from Britain was attacked here in 1781 during the American Revolution by British loyalists led by David Fanning. Later, four-term governor Benjamin Williams lived in the house, which now features antiques of the colonial and Revolutionary War eras. Continued

More Information

• Site Brochure
• Complete site overview
• Philip Alston, Revolutionary War patriot and the house's first owner
• Surrender terms dictated to Alston by David Fanning and Fanning bio
• Gov. Benjamin Williams, House in the Horseshoe's second owner

 

What's new

Unique exhibits on the Indians who once lived in this area, colonial crops, later owner Gov. Benjamin Williams, and North Carolina backcountry planters' wives!

Upcoming

• June 9: War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration
  Saturday 10am - 4pm
  This will be the Division's official kickoff to the War of 1812 bicentennial. The main attraction will be a special exhibit of the Blakeley Silver on loan from the NC Museum of Art. There will also be a special exhibit detailing connections of the site with the war, including Colonel David Fanning's service to the British in the War of 1812. Admission is free. Donations are kindly accepted.
• July 14: Revolutionary War Medical Techniques
  Saturday 11am - 3pm
  Site Interpreter Roy Timbs will discuss medical techniques used during the Revolutionary War.
• August 11: House in the Horseshoe Photo Exhibit
  Saturday 10am - 4pm
  Photographs taken through the years at the annual battle reenactment will be on display in the museum.

House in the Horseshoe Information

• Map & Directions
• Local Weather
• Facilities

Special Events

Contact Us

House in the Horseshoe
288 Alston House Rd.
Sanford, N.C. 27330
Phone: (910) 947-2051
Email: horseshoe@ncdcr.gov

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays.

Admission

No admission fees. Donations are accepted and appreciated.