Long after the 1781 Battle of Rockfish Creek, the surnames of the local militia remained in Duplin County. Among the 400 footmen who fought to stop the advance of the British found advancing along Raleigh Road during the Revolutionary War — Kenan, Caswell, and Dickson are some of the names that may sound familiar.
In early summer of 1781, British Major James Craig issued an ultimatum to the Cape Fear region. They would need to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown, and enlist the Loyalist militia, or suffer consequences. The deadline for capitulation to these terms was August 1, 1781.
The British had advanced to the area between Highway 11 and Rockfish Creek, on the east side of Highway 117. They had 100 light horse cavalry, and 400 well armed footmen as they approached the Rockfish Bridge.
The 400 members of the Duplin militia had little powder or lead for their weapons. They had requested munitions, but they had not arrived. Colonel James Kenan and the militia built a dirt berm to hopefully be able to take on the redcoats as they advanced. Their stand was not successful.
After the battle, the British ravaged the area, taking food, clothes and belongings as they continued their marches to New Bern and Raleigh. The account of the battle was published by William Dickson in the Raleigh Star.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) came together to remember this history at the site of the battle. Dressed in Revolutionary era costume, they remembered the brave people who fought for independence.
The monument commemorating the Battle of Rockfish Creek was erected by the DAR and the Duplin Historical Society. There is also a highway marker at the road commemorating the event.
As part of the America 250 project, the Battle of Rockfish Creek DAR chose to refurbish the monument. The area was cleaned, the fence was replaced and the landscaping was maintained. Additional plans include installing benches and adding power and water to the site.
To mark the event, the colors were presented by members of the NCSAR. Winifred Jenkins, Regent, Battle of Rockfish DAR read The Battle of Rockfish Creek in Duplin County by J.O. Carr. SAR and Town of Wallace Planning Director Rod Fritz and Susan Corliss-Bland, DAR discussed the improvements made at the site, and those planned for the area around the monument.
Wreaths were presented by Winifred Jenkins, Regent, Battle of Rockfish Chapter DAR; Michael Murphy, President, Colonel Alexander Lillington Chapter, NCSAR; Gary Green, Registrar General, NCSAR; Gene Funderbark, Lower Cape Fear Chapter, NCSAR and Danny Hilton, President, Andrew Jackson Chapter, NCSAR.
After the colors were retired, the recessional was recited by Chaplain Matthew Ezzell, NCSAR Colonel Alexander Lillington Chapter, and the benediction was delivered by Battle of Rockfish DAR Cindy Ezzell.
The Battle of Rockfish Chapter, NCDAR meets monthly, September through May, on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at the Rose Hill Restaurant. For more information email battleofrockfish@gmail.com.
The Colonel Alexander Lillington Chapter, NCSAR meets every month on the Second Sunday at 2:30 at the Wallace Methodist Church.
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