Holt’s photos to kick off series of Revolutionary War talks at Asheboro library

In one of Ross Holt's photos, the 2nd Continental Light
Dragoons fire a volley during a Guilford Courthousereenactment in 1989.

ASHEBORO – Get a glimpse of what the Revolutionary War looked like as Randolph County Public Libraries Director Ross Holt presents “Rise, and Fight Again: A Photographic Journey Through the American Revolution,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Holt’s talk will feature photographs of battle reenactments he has taken over a period of more than 35 years.

Holt developed an interest in the history of the era early in life, and in the mid-1980s began photographing reenactments at historic sites such as Guilford Courthouse and the House in the Horseshoe. Initially focusing on action shots, he became fascinated by the variety of military units represented by the reenactors, their uniforms and regalia, and the battlefield tactics of the day.

His talk, which takes place two days before the 244th anniversary of the battle of Guilford Courthouse, will be an episodic history of the war in this area told in terms — and pictures — of the brigades and regiments, legions and companies, that fought here.

The presentation is the first of three at the Asheboro library on the Revolution in March, April and May, as the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence approaches in 2026. 

Picking up where Holt leaves off is local historian Ryan Beeson, with “Revolutionary Randolph: Col. David Fanning and the War at Home,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Beeson will track the exploits of the notorious Loyalist partisan leader who brought the war to Randolph County and left his mark at places like Faith Rock and the Andrew Balfour home site.

Following Beeson, Wake Forest University history professor Dr. Jake Ruddiman will present a talk entitled, “Is This the Land of Liberty: Slavery in the War of American Independence,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 (postponed from an earlier date). 

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For more information, call 336-318-6803.