Calendar of Events

The sound of colonial cannons firing, the sight of patriot troops drilling and the smell of an old-fashioned summer picnic will fill the eyes and ears at the CSS Neuse State Historic Site-Governor Richard Caswell Memorial on Saturday, Sept 18, during a celebration of America's independence.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., families can enjoy a free living history program recalling life in the 18th-century British army and how Continental soldiers, sailors and their families lived, fought and died during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
Visitors will also have chance to see how cannons and muskets were fired, watch typical civilian activities of the period such as spinning and weaving, move among re-enactors in colorful 18th-century dress, and play (or just cheer the players) at lawn games of the late 1700s including quoits (similar to horseshoes) and bocce. Little ones will have a chance to try their skills at old-fashioned games such as cup and ball, Jacob's Ladder and spinning tops. The program's highlight will be an outdoor picnic, scheduled from 12-1:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic lunch and blanket.
Besides the Revolutionary War-themed activities, attendees may want to step into the site's visitor center to examine exhibits on Gov. Richard Caswell, North Carolina's first governor. Tours of the CSS Neuse gunboat will also be presented throughout the day.