Burlington in Alamance County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Pugh's Rock

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 28, 2019

1. Pugh's Rock Marker

Inscription. According to legend, Regulator James Pugh, brother-in-law of Regulator Herman Husband, lay behind this rock while he fired on Tryon's troops. Tradition has also held since 1942 that James was taken prisoner and hanged in Hillsborough on June 19, 1771. However, in 2013 research indicated that James Pugh was alive as late as 1810, when he wrote his will. His brother Enoch, another Regulator, probably died in 1771, and it is possible he was the Pugh who was actually hanged in Hillsborough.

(captions)
This plaque — attached to one side of the Regulators Monument here — depicts James Pugh before his supposed hanging. It also quotes a speech he was alleged to have made prior to his execution.

Of twelve regulators condemned at Hillsboro, 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. "Our blood will be as good seed in good ground, that will soon produce one hundred fold." — James Pugh, under the gallows at Hillsboro, N.C., June 19th, 1771.

The marker above was placed on the spot where the Regulators were hanged in Hillsborough.

Militia re-enactors firing a musket volley.

This display was made possible by the Alamance County Tourism Development

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Authority and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Erected by Alamance County Tourism Development Authority and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1771.

Location. 36° 0.545′ N, 79° 31.277′ W. Marker is in Burlington, North Carolina, in Alamance County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 62, 0.2 miles south of Oakbury Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker and Pugh's Rock are located 80 yards southwest of the Visitors Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5803 NC-62 S, Burlington NC 27215, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Alamance (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Alamance Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Alamance (within shouting distance of this marker); First Battle of the Revolution (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Governor Tryon and the Militia (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Alamance (about 400 feet away); The Regulators' Field (about 400 feet away); The John Allen House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlington.

Also see . . .

Pugh's Rock Marker with Pugh's Rock visible just beyond the marker. image. Click for full size.

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 28, 2019

2. Pugh's Rock Marker with Pugh's Rock visible just beyond the marker.

Viewing east towards the marker and Pugh's Rock.

Alamance Battleground, North Carolina Historic Sites. (Submitted on September 10, 2019.)

Pugh's Rock. image. Click for full size.

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 28, 2019

3. Pugh's Rock.

Viewing north towards Pugh's Rock. The image shows its placement in relation to the Pugh's Rock marker, the John Allen House marker, and a Revolutionary War Connection marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2019. This page has been viewed 884 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 10, 2019. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.