The Loyalists, mostly Scottish Highlanders wielding broadswords, expected to find only a small Patriot force thanks to a quick thinking plan by Patriot Colonel Richard Caswell. As the Loyalists advanced across the bridge, Patriot shots rang out and dozens of Loyalists fell, including their commanders. Stunned, outgunned and leaderless, the Loyalists surrendered, retreating in confusion.
The battle ended Royal Governor Josiah Martin's hopes of regaining control of the colony for the British crown. The Loyalist defeat ended British plans for an invasionary force to land in Brunswick, North Carolina.
In addition to ending British authority in the colony, the Patriot victory led North Carolina to be the first colony to vote for independence.
The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge helped to influenced the 13 colonies to declare independence on July 4, 1776.
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