Pender-Statewide County NcArchives News.....Moore's Creek Monument 1907 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Guy Potts http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00017.html#0004214 February 26, 2008, 4:07 pm Charlotte Daily Observer 1907 16 Aug 1907 Heroic Women Honored - Unveiling at Moore's Creek Wilmington, Aug. 15 - An immense gathering of people today attended the elaborate ceremonies in connection with the unveiling of a monument to the heroic women of the lower Cape Fear during the revolutionary period, the scene of the patriotic exercises having been the historic Moore's Creek battle ground, in Pender County, near Currie. The weather was ideal and people came from far and hear, including a large party from Wilmington, which returned on a belated train tonight. The exercises opened with an invocation by Rev. A.D. McClure, D.D. of Wilmington, and the formal presentation of the monument was by former Representative E.A. Hawes, of Pender, who paid glowing tribute to the maternal ancestry of the people of the lower Cape Fear. The acceptance was by President J.F. Moore, of the Moore's Creek Memorial Association, who spoke eloquently of the lofty patriotism which inspired the people of this section and the State. The Shaft Decorated The formality of the unveiling was by Miss Lillian Colvin, assisted by Miss Katie Bannerman, this being followed by a beautiful decoration of the shaft by 13 young ladies representing the 13 original colonies, directed by Misses B.B. Lucas and Jeannie Hawes. The address of Hon. Charles R. Thomas, Congressman from the third district and always a staunch friend of the Moore's Creek Monument Association was the feature of the day. He spoke eloquently and most fittingly. After the exercises a delightful picnic dinner was served on the grounds and that every detail of the arrangements was carried out perfectly spoke volumes of praise for the several county committees which had these matters in charge. The exercises were interspersed by the singing of patriotic songs and music by an excellent band, "Dixie" "The Old North State" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee" having been favorites among the many selections rendered. Description of Monument The monument is of Winnsboro blue granite surmounted by a statue of imported Italian marble in carved likeness of a beautiful woman posing "Remembrance," the top piece being six feet tall, the whole monument towering to a height of 15 feet, standing on a marble base, five feet seven inches square. Its weight is more than 25,000 pounds and it was erected at a cost of something over $2,000, being the work of the Wilmington Granite and Marble Works, of this city, Mr. R.D. Tucker, proprietor, as successor to H.A. Tucker & Bro. Mr. Frank Meier, of the works, has been at the battleground all the present week, superintending the work of construction and it is declared by all who have seen it to be one of the most handsome pieces of work of its kind seen in this locality, occupying a commanding position on the historic spot and bearing striking testimonial to the brave women of the lower Cape Fear during the revolutionary period. The inscriptions on the shaft are as follows: Front side: "To the honored memory of the heroic women of the Lower Cape Fear during the American Revolution, 1775-1781." On the reverse side: "Unswerving in devotion, self-sacrificing in loyalty to the cause of their country, their works do follow them; and their children rise up and call them blessed." On the fourth side: "Most honored of the names recorded by the Historic Association, is that of MARY SLOCUMB, wife of Lieutenant Slocumb, riding alone at night sixty-five miles to succor the wounded on this battlefield her heroism and self-sacrifice place her high on the pages of history and should awaken to successive generations, true patriotism and love of country." On the third face is the inscription: "This monument was erected by the Moore's Creek Monumental Association in the year 1907." President J.F. Moore, of the association, has worked faithfully for this monument and the affair was a crowning success for those efforts which have linked his name indissolubly with all that pertains to the historic spot which he has done so much to preserve and beautify. Congressman Thomas' Speech Congressman Thomas said among other things that he rejoiced to be present upon this glorious and auspicious occasion to see the fruition and accomplishment of the hopes of the citizens of Pender County and the Cape Fear section of North Carolina. He congratulated Moore's Creek Monumental Association upon the completion of their labor of love in rescuing the monument from decay, erecting the beautiful new monument to the women of the revolution, and the entire success of their efforts. He spoke of his own very great happiness in having served his people and aided in the accomplishment of the results for which he had so long labored, and the perpetuation to all generations through these monuments of the memory of the first victory of the revolution and the heroic men and women of the Cape Fear section. He regarded the battlefield and the occasion as now of more than local interest and importance, for it had secured the national recognition to which it was entitled as among one of the most important battlefields of the revolution. He paid a high tribute to Senator Overman, who rendered such valuable aid in the Senate in putting the appropriation in the army bill. "These monuments pointing heavenward," he said, "will stand for all times as incentives to the people of North Carolina, and especially our young men and women, to higher admirations in our individual and national life." Comments: "King George and Broadswords!" shouted Loyalists as they charged across partially dismantled Moore's Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776. Just beyond the bridge nearly a 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with cannons and muskets poised to fire. This dramatic victory ended British rule in the colony forever. 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