Flintlock Gazette

In October 1781, Hamilton’s soldiers advanced on Yorktown with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. Just days later, a British drummer’s call for a parley helped silence the battlefield. Discover how a daring nighttime attack and a simple flag of truce marked the final days of the siege—and brought American independence closer.

Everyone knows about the Boston Tea Party—but have you heard of North Carolina's Edenton Tea Party? In 1774, fifty-one women gathered in Edenton to sign a bold declaration supporting the boycott of British goods, becoming some of the first women in America to take a public political stand. Discover the remarkable story behind their courageous act, the words they signed, and even try a recipe inspired by this historic moment.

On September 19, 1776, South Carolina militiamen walked into a Cherokee ambush somewhere in the mountains of western North Carolina. Known as the Battle of the Black Hole, the encounter was part of a much larger—and more complicated—struggle unfolding during the American Revolution. As America marks its 250th anniversary, we look back at the battle, the Cherokee resistance surrounding it, and a mystery historians are still trying to solve today.

Schools are back, America is celebrating 250 years, and Camp Flintlock’s field trip calendar is filling fast! Visit our living history campsite in Four Oaks or let us bring the 18th century directly to your school. With hands-on activities, Fife & Drum, musket demonstrations, colonial games, crafts, and more, students don’t just learn history—they experience it. Discover why this is the perfect year to step into history with Camp Flintlock.

Step into the 18th century at Camp Flintlock's Colonial Faire on Saturday, August 22! Celebrate America 250 with hands-on activities, fife & drum music, firearm demonstrations, historic dancing, children's militia, period crafts, living historians, special guests from historic sites across North Carolina, food, shopping and more. Come spend the day experiencing history firsthand in Four Oaks, NC!

Everyone knows the tune, but few know the story. "Yankee Doodle" wasn't written to celebrate the American colonists—it was written to mock them. Discover how a British insult from the French & Indian War became one of America's most beloved patriotic songs, why a feather in a hat was the punchline, and how the Americans ultimately got the last laugh.

We often picture Revolutionary War soldiers wearing neat blue uniforms, but the reality was far different. In the early days of the Revolution, many Patriots fought in the clothes they already owned, including the practical hunting shirt that became a symbol of American independence. Discover what colonial soldiers really wore—and why students at Camp Flintlock still step into these historic garments today.

We celebrate July 4 as America's birthday, but what happened after the Declaration of Independence was adopted? Follow the remarkable week that changed history—from the first printed copies and public readings to George Washington sharing the Declaration with his soldiers. Discover how the news of independence spread across the colonies and why the days following July 4, 1776, were just as important as the Declaration itself.

Camp Flintlock was proud to join Johnston County's America 250 celebration at Johnston Community College, where visitors stepped back into the Colonial era through hands-on living history. From Quill & Ink writing and colonial axe throwing to cannon demonstrations and performances by our Fife & Drum Corps, the day was filled with opportunities to experience the sights, sounds, and skills of Revolutionary America. Enjoy highlights from this memorable community celebration!

Why are communities across North Carolina planting Liberty Trees? As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, these living symbols honor the original Liberty Tree in Boston, where Patriots gathered to organize resistance before the Revolution. Discover the story behind the Liberty Tree, the patriotic song Chester, and Camp Flintlock's participation in the Four Oaks dedication as history takes root once again.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, it's worth remembering that independence wasn't declared in a single day. During the final week of June 1776, delegates debated freedom, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration, and colonies weighed one of the most important decisions in history. Discover how North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and the Continental Congress helped shape the week America chose independence.

Have you ever wondered where the phrase “Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite” came from? Explore the history behind colonial rope beds, bedbugs, and the essential role rope played in everyday life. From ropewalks in Boston to hands-on cord making at Camp Flintlock, discover how a simple saying connects to colonial homes, trades, and even the growing tensions that led to the American Revolution.

Before there was a Declaration of Independence, there was a debate. In June 1776, Virginia’s Richard Henry Lee proposed independence while colonies wrestled with whether to separate from Great Britain. North Carolina had already authorized its delegates through the Halifax Resolves, helping pave the way. Discover how the Lee Resolution, the Committee of Five, and a handful of delegates helped shape one of history’s most important documents.

America turns 250 in 2026 — but what made 1776 so important? While many know July 4 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, fewer realize North Carolina helped lead the way. From Moore’s Creek Bridge to the Halifax Resolves, discover how North Carolina earned its nickname “First in Freedom” and why these events still matter 250 years later.

More than 1,000 people gathered at Historic Hopkins Farm for the SC250 Colonial Picnic — and Camp Flintlock was honored to be part of it. Families explored hands-on history through Quill & Ink writing, colonial games, fife and drum music, musket demonstrations, and more. As America approaches its 250th birthday, events like these remind us that history is more than something we read about — it is something we experience together.

Portrait of a Young Woman with a Fan by Daniel Woge Before text messages, emojis, and social media, people still found clever ways to communicate. One of the most fascinating — and possibly flirtiest — methods? Fans! The Role of Fans in 18th Century Society During the 18th century, fashionable ladies often carried folding fans. These lovely accessories were especially popular at dances, assemblies, church gatherings, and social events. Fans helped keep cool in heavy clothing,

Looking for a summer camp that goes beyond screens and ordinary activities? At Camp Flintlock, campers step into the 18th century through hands-on history, canvas tents, campfire cooking, crafts, music, games, and adventure. More than just learning about history — they live it while building confidence, friendships, and memories that last long after summer ends.

Camp Flintlock was honored to participate in the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge — the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution and a defining moment in North Carolina’s “First in Freedom” story. Visitors explored hands-on history through Quill & Ink writing, block printing, and Revolutionary-era music, including a special visit from Outlander author Diana Gabaldon.