Fort Defiance

Fort Defiance was the home of General William Lenoir, a major general in the North Carolina militia, who gained fame through his written account of the Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal victory for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.  Before the war, General Lenoir built a fort on the banks of the Yadkin River to protect settlers against the attacks of Cherokee Indians.  Between 1788 and 1792, he built his home on the same site and named it Fort Defiance, in remembrance of the original fort.  A surveyor by profession, Lenoir later served as a state legislator, president of the Council of State and president of the first Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina.   The City of Lenoir and Lenoir County are named in his honor.

Several generations of the Lenoir family lived in the house.  Purchased for restoration in 1965, Fort Defiance now features over 300 pieces of original furnishings and clothing from the earliest period of the house.  The property encompasses over 5 acres with fine beech and hybrid chestnut trees, a 200-year old boxwood garden and the family cemetery.  Visitors can take Fort Defiance guided tours and have a picnic on the grounds.

Fort Defiance Hours of Operation
April – October: Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
November – March:   Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm

Group tours can be scheduled at any time by appointment.

Fort Defiance Admission Fees
A small admission fee is charged.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Fort Defiance Location
Fort Defiance is located on Highway 268 about 4.5 from Highway 321.

4555 Fort Defiance Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 758-1671
http://www.fortdefiancenc.org/