New marker calls attention to Revolution-era patriots

ASHEBORO — A new stone marker recalls the sacrifices of Randolph County citizens who supported the War for Independence.

On Nov. 15, the Col. Andrew Balfour Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled the American 250 Patriot Marker at the gravesite of their namesake’s family cemetery.

“Both men and women of the American Revolution endured hardships, difficulties and sacrifice. Some paid the ultimate sacrifice,” DAR Regent Lisa Brown said at the event just off Tot Hill Farm Road.

The Randolph County American 250 Committee is organizing celebratory milestones for the nation’s sesquicentennial in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Committee Chair Mac Whatley and Library Director Ross Holt detailed the skirmishes between patriots and loyalists, which continued for years after Britain’s formal surrender in 1781.

“The internal struggle between those loyal to King George and those who fought for independence was less of a political and philosophical battle and more of a personal battle,” Whatley said. “Neighbor literally fought against neighbor.”

Col. Andrew Balfour was a justice of the peace and elected representative who led the Randolph County Regiment during the Revolution. 

British loyalists killed him on his front porch in 1782. The Balfour name graces many locations in the county, including Balfour Elementary School and the masonic lodge.

The monument’s stone was a gift from the Martin Marietta Corporation.

Whatley gave an update for the America 250 Committee at the Board of Commissioners’ Nov. 3 meeting. He said the website RevolutionaryRandolph.org will post historic information and upcoming events.

He said the committee is focused on 2026 now, but they want to keep going beyond that with other locally focused celebrations leading up to and in 2029 to mark the 250th year of Randolph County’s founding in 1779.

Charters of Freedom replica

A non-profit devoted to placing life-size replicas of the Charters of Freedom across the country made a stop in Randolph County, and commissioners accepted the offer at Nov. 3 meeting.

Jeff Morse of Foundation Forward, Inc. gave a presentation, explaining the displays they’ve gifted to other counties and asking if Randolph County would like to take part.

The Charters of Freedom is the collective name for the United States’ founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the preamble and seven articles of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

The organization makes full-sized versions from quarter-inch bronze with six pedestals to display them. Morse said they also give counties the option to add a seventh pedestal with the Civil Rights Amendments at no additional cost.

Foundation Forward was founded in Valdese, NC, by Vance Patterson. Morse said Patterson was so moved when he saw the original documents in the National Archive in Washington that he made it his mission to place replica monuments in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties by the end of 2026.

Foundation Forward covers the expenses for building and installing the displays. Morse said education is a part of their mission, and so they will also offer grants for school field trips.

Each county is expected to cover the costs of site preparation, paving, walkways and ancillary landscaping.

County Manager Zeb Holden said staff identified the green space behind the new courthouse as a likely spot.

County Engineer Paxton Arthurs estimated it would cost $9,000 to $10,000 to make a 37 foot x 12 foot concrete pad. Morse said it is not unusual for local companies to donate labor and materials to the project.

Commissioner Chair Darrell Frye asked how well the monuments hold up in the elements. Morse said one of their displays in Western North Carolina withstood flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Commissioner David Allen asked if the displays are lit up. Morse said that is an option.

The commissioners gave consensus to proceed. Morse said the next step is to compile a list of needs to present at a later meeting. 

Frye also asked how long it would take to make them. Morse said they would like to have them up before July 4, 2026, but they will work on the county’s timeline.