Hillsborough in Orange County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Regulators Hanged

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2010

1. Regulators Hanged Marker

In 1771, a group of backcountry farmers referred to as “Regulators”, fed up with high taxes, dishonest sheriffs and illegal fees imposed by the British Crown, rebelled against royal governor William Tryon. Tyron’s militia defeated the Regulators in what was called the Battle of Alamance and sentenced six of them to death.

Inscription. After the Regulators were defeated at Alamance, May 16, 1771, six of their number were hanged, ¼ mile east, June 19, 1771.

Erected 2001 by NC Division of Archives and History. (Marker Number G-23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1801.

Location. 36° 4.499′ N, 79° 5.957′ W. Marker is in Hillsborough, North Carolina, in Orange County. Marker is on S Churton Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in the Hillsborough Historic District on S Churton Street, between King Street and Margaret Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 S Churton St, Hillsborough NC 27278, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edmund Fanning (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); Orange County Courthouse, 1845-1957 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boone Expedition for Kentucky (within shouting distance of this marker); William Churton (within shouting distance of this marker); North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Billy Strayhorn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Town of Hillsborough (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hillsborough.

Marker on South Churton Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2010

2. Marker on South Churton Street

Markers in Hillsborough Historic District image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2010

3. Markers in Hillsborough Historic District

There are many markers in the Hillsborough Historic District. The Regulators Hanged Marker is the center one in this photo.

Relief from Battle of Alamance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2010

4. Relief from Battle of Alamance

This plaque, from a monument on the Alamance Battlefield, shows one of the Regulators about to be executed. Of the twelve Regulators condemned, the following six were executed by the British Governor: James Pugh, Robert Matear, Benjamin Merrill, Captain Messer, and two others, whose names are now unknown.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,435 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on May 11, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 1, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.