Post by Downtown Greenway | Greensboro, NC

🥳🎉Happy Birthday, Nathanael Greene! Born on this day in 1742 Here's a bit about the Battle at Guilford Courthouse & his role... After crossing back into NC, Greene harassed Cornwallis's army. In early March, he received reinforcements from NC & VA, doubling to approx 4,000 men. On 3/14, he led his army to Guilford Courthouse & prepared for an attack by Cornwallis. Greene established 3 defensive lines: NC, 1st line; VA militia, 2nd line; Continental Army regulars, 3rd line. After skirmishes on the morning of 3/15, the main British force launched a full attack in afternoon, beginning the Battle of Guilford Court House. 1st American line fired volleys & fled. The 2nd line held up longer & continued to resist the British advance while Cornwallis ordered an unsuccessful assault against the 3rd line. The British re-formed & launched an assault on the left flank of the 3rd line, but were overwhelmed by Henry Lee's cavalry. In response, Cornwallis ordered his artillery to fire grapeshot into the fray, hitting British & American soldiers. With his army's left flank collapsing, Greene ordered a retreat, bringing the battle to an end. Although the Battle of Guilford Court House ended with an American defeat, the British suffered substantially greater losses.