Fayetteville and Cumberland County offer history buffs, and especially military history buffs, plenty of sites to explore. While many are familiar with the modern military history associated with the Fayetteville region, (thanks to Fort Liberty,)  its less widely known that the region's military history dates back to the Revolutionary War era. We've outlined a few key sites in this blog, and invite you to explore our rich history further through our Heritage Trails and other Historical resources. 

 

Liberty Point Resolves 

Nearly 250 years ago, on June 20, 1775, a gathering of locals signed a document that is commonly called "The Liberty Point Resolves," which was a precursor to the Declaration of Independence. The 55 dignitaries who signed the document pledged to "go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety."  The document is said to have been tacked to the Liberty Tree, which stands in front of the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum on Hay Street. 

Next year, the community will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Liberty Point Resolves. The original document, currently preserved in the Southern Historical Collection at the University of Chapel Hill, will again be displayed in Fayetteville. 

The moment is memorialized on a granite sculpture at Liberty Point in downtown  Fayetteville. Liberty Point is a vestige of early street patterns with its triangular plot.  

 

Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Parade Grounds 
On August 23, 1793, the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry (F.I.L.I.) was organized after Congress enacted the Militia Act. Today, the company is North Carolina's official historic military command. While the company was involved in all of the nation's wars from George Washington's administration through World War I, today, it is ceremonial. Ceremonies still take place at the F.I.L.I Parade Grounds. A statue on site recognizes the history of this company. 
 
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Lafayette Visits Fayetteville 
From March 4-5 1825, Fayetteville welcomed its namesake, the Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, during his Grand Tour of the United States. In his welcome speech, Judge Toomer proclaimed, “Never, never can we forget the youthful stranger who, in the darkest hour of adversity, so generously flew to our succor and so gallantly fought the battle of freedom.” Fayetteville had been named for Lafayette by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1783. Fayetteville was the only namesake city Lafayette visited. The Lafayette trail showcases the sites that Lafayette visited on his tour of the Fayetteville community.
 
In 2025, a national celebration will recognize the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's Grand Tour of America. Fayetteville's March 4-5, 2025 celebration includes a grand ball and other ceremonies. Fayetteville is one of the signature cities for this nationwide event. 
 
 
Fayetteville Arsenal 

In 1838, the cornerstone of the U.S. Arsenal in Fayetteville was laid. Congress had chosen Fayetteville due to its geographic location. When North Carolina seceded from the Union, local militia units took the arsenal without any resistance. The arsenal produced rifles, gun carriages, and ammunition for the Confederacy.  In March 1865, Gen. William T. Sherman entered North Carolina with an army of 60,000 strong. On March 11, Sherman established his headquarters at the arsenal. On March 13, the arsenal was laid to ruins. Today, the remains of the arsenal are one component of the Museum of the Cape Fear Museum Historical Complex.

 
The Fayetteville Arsenal

The Fayetteville Arsenal

The original arsenal housed numerous brick and stone structures and octagonal corner guard towers. Arms-making machinery from the U.S. Arsenal at Harper's Ferry Virginia was installed in October 1861, and the arsenal became a major supplier…

Averasboro Battlefield and Museum 

It was at Averasboro the Confederates Relive the Civil War Battle of Averasboro (March 15-16, 1865) as you visit the Battlefield museum, battle grounds, and Confederate cemetery. Also learn about the Smiths, the family that owned the 8,000-acre plantation where the battle was fought.

 

Ready to plan your visit? Search for the perfect place to lay your head at the link below. We look forward to welcoming you! 

 

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