In spring and summer, bright flowers surround this plantation house named for its location on a horseshoe bend in the Deep River. The house (ca. 1770) was owned by Philip Alston, whose band of colonists seeking independence from Britain was attacked here in 1781 during the American Revolution by British loyalists led by David Fanning. Later, four-term governor Benjamin Williams lived in the house, which now features antiques of the colonial and Revolutionary War eras.
Hours and Location
Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays
288 Alston House Rd.
Sanford, N.C. 27330
Admission
Admission is $2 for adults; $1 for children ages 5-12 and seniors, for guided tours of the Alston House.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the first floor of the Alston House are offered to visitors at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. We ask that groups make reservations in advance.
Facilities
- Historic Structures
- The site includes the Alston House (1772) with four furnished rooms, a reconstructed store house, corn crib, and wellhouse.
- Visitor Center
- The Visitor Center is located on the right of the drive, it includes tour tickets and the gift shop.
- Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits
- A monument commemorating the July 29, 1781, skirmish was erected at the site by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The grave of Gov. Benjamin Williams, along with that of his wife Elizabeth, his son, and daughter-in-law, has been relocated to the site.
- Handicapped Accessibility
- The historic house, gift shop, bathrooms, and musuem all have handicap accessible ramps.
- Picnic Facilities
- Picnic tables are available on the grounds.
- Gift Shop
- A sales desk with items related to House in the Horseshoe is located in the Visitor Center.
Programs, Group Activities
Multiple annual programs are held at the site including the battle reenactment on the first full weekend in August.