The weeklong commemoration will feature events across eight southeastern North Carolina counties from Feb. 21–28. The celebration will continue throughout 2026 as communities nationwide mark 250 years of American independence.
“This is our nation and our story,” said Matthew Woods, superintendent of Moores Creek National Battlefield. “Our nation’s great experiment in democracy began more than 250 years ago, but each of us has our own story of independence rooted in the birth of this nation.”
The national kickoff of America’s 250th anniversary begins at Moores Creek National Battlefield, the site of the first Patriot victory of the American Revolution.
“The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge is significant,” said Jason Collins, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers at Moores Creek National Battlefield. “Its victory changed the momentum of the Revolutionary War and led to North Carolina becoming the first colony to call for independence from British rule.”
The First in Freedom Festival begins Feb. 21 with events throughout the region. Jim Buell, president of the Moores Creek National Battleground Association, emphasized that the anniversary celebration extends well beyond a single week.
“With stakeholders from across the region, the First in Freedom Festival will celebrate our shared heritage,” Buell said. “During First in Freedom Week, events begin Feb. 21 and culminate at Moores Creek National Battlefield with live history demonstrations, food, music and special events featuring Outlander author Diana Gabaldon.”
Gabaldon’s appearances are ticketed and currently sold out. Her novel A Breath of Snow and Ashes features the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge.
Moores Creek National Battlefield is located at 40 Patriots Hall, Currie, NC 28435.
For more information about the First in Freedom Festival, visit ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com or the Moores Creek National Battlefield website at nps.gov/mocr.
