House in the Horseshoe

House in the Horseshoe is a colonial-era residence in Sanford built on a horseshoe-shaped bend of Deep River. The structure features a distinctive D-shaped design with double walls throughout, a defensive approach to building that you notice in how the rooms are arranged.

The property became a conflict point in 1781 during the American Revolution when British loyalists led by David Fanning attacked independence supporters gathered there. Later, Benjamin Williams, who went on to serve multiple terms as North Carolina governor, made major changes to the building.

The name comes from the horseshoe bend of the Deep River that surrounds the property, shaping how visitors experience the landscape. This geographic setting becomes an essential part of understanding the site as you explore it.

The property sits on a quiet rural road and is best explored on foot, with relatively level paths around the building. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since there is limited indoor shelter beyond the house itself.

The walls bear scars from the 1781 attack, with visible bullet holes that mark where shots struck during the conflict. These physical traces of that day remain visible to visitors and tell the story more directly than any written account could.