Murfreesboro in Hertford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Murfreesboro
Naval Target
On May 15, 1863, "guerillas" (Confederate home guards) captured U.S. steamers Emily and Arrow in the Currituck Canal and North River. Two Federal vessels and troops sent to recover the steamers anchored at Murfreesboro on May 22. Here, they reported, they "captured, gave to the poor, and destroyed... about 10,000 pounds of bacon, together with a quantity of lard and 15 boxes of 6-pound fixed ammunition."
During Col. Samuel P. Spear's raid on the Weldon railroad bridge on July 26, 1863, Maj. Samuel J. Wheeler's Murfreesboro home guards ambushed the 17th Massachusetts Infantry three miles this side of Winton. The Confederates, outnumbered, were quickly driven back. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles W. Flusser then steamed up to Murfreesboro with three vessels, burned the bridge, and captured a Confederate soldier.
The last action here occurred on April 5, 1865, when Col. Edward V. Sumner led the 1st New York Mounted Rifles into town. He put 70 cotton bales on transport vessels for Norfolk, then drove off nearby North Carolina cavalry.
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The site of Murfreesboro was settled as early as 1720. William Murfree donated land for the town, which was incorporated in 1787. Murfreesboro thrived as a port during the 18th and 19th centuries, and many of its historic structures date from then and survived the Civil War.
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According to local tradition, in 1862, when a Federal officer entered Melrose (right), he saw owner Col. James M. Wynns's Masonic apron. The Union officer, also a Mason, ordered that nothing be destroyed.
Erected by North Carolina Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1944.
Location. 36° 26.538′ N, 77° 6.046′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, in Hertford County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Wynn Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Murfreesboro NC 27855, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Murfree House (within shouting distance of this marker); J. William Copeland (within shouting distance of this marker); Chowan University (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Murfreesboro Veterans Monument (about 800 feet away); Dr. Walter Reed (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Collin Barnes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stanley Winborne (approx. ¼ mile away); John H. Wheeler (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2011, by Dave Simpson of Durham, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 954 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 15, 2011, by Dave Simpson of Durham, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.