The House in the Horseshoe

The Deep River meanders through Piedmont North Carolina to help irrigate fertile farm fields. In one of bends of the river, stands one of the finest early houses built in the upland frontier. This home was originally know as Alston House, because it was built by Philip Alston in 1772.

Front of houses faces toward Deep River

A staunch Whig and a colonel in the American Revolution, Alton's home was attacked by a group of Tories led by David Fanning on the morning of July 29, 1781. Alston and his band of men were camped at the house. Fanning's soldiers tried to set the house on fire, and there were casualties on both sides. Alston finally surrendered, and legend says that Mrs. Alston's courage kept the Patriots from being treated too roughly. Bullet holes riddled the house after the skirmish, and you can still see them today.

Although Alston was recognized as noted officer, a justice of the peace, and a state senator, he became infamous as well. He was indicted for murder twice, removed from the office of justice of the peace, barred from the state legislature for a number of reasons, and served jail time more than once. In 1790, Alston sold his plantation and fled the state.

Governor Benjamin Williams bought it to use as a retreat away from the capital. He too had been a colonel, and he'd served under George Washington. He added two wings to the the house to have more room for his family. Eli Whitney had invented the cotton gin making growing cotton profitable (see my blog of May 15), and Williams planted nearly 200 acres of it in 1804. He had about 50 slaves to work the plantation.

Williams died in 1814, and he and some of his family are buried at a grave site on the grounds. Williams was first buried farther out, but his body was moved to be closer to the house.

The House in the Horseshoe is a free NC State Historic Site.It's open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, except for certain holidays.

Back of house faces rolling fields and countryside

288 Alston House Road
Sanford, NC 27330
910-947-2051
horseshoe@ncdcr.gov

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