Captain Benjamin Merrill, Lexington
The Captain Benjamin Merrill memorial is a lectern shaped block of granite about 2-feet tall on a concrete base with a bronze plaque attached. The plaque is adorned with a spread winged eagle, in relief, above the inscription. A set of two stars appear to either side of the eagle.
Images:
Plaque |
View of the quadrant with memorials
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN MERRILL / SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR THE CAUSE / OF THE REGULATORS. WAS EXECUTED BY / OFFICIALS OF THE CROWN, JUNE 19, 1771 / HOME WAS 8 MILES SOUTH / ERECTED BY / CAPT. BENJ. MERRILL CHAPTER, NSDAR / 1981
City of Lexington
1981
35.824410 , -80.253370
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Ekis, Loretta Merrell. The Blood of Patriots: The Story of Captain Benjamin Merrell American Patriot (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014)
Powell, William S. 2006. “Regulator Movement,” NCPedia.org, (accessed January 31, 2017) Link
“Captain Benjamin Merrill,” The Historical Marker Database, HMdb.org, (accessed January 31, 2017) Link
Yes
Granite, bronze
Captain Benjamin Merrill Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Captain Merrill was head of the Rowan County Militia and became involved with the Regulator Movement, a rebellion by back-country (inland) residents who believed that colonial officials were charging them excessive fees and falsifying records. The movement’s name refers to the desire of these back-country citizens to have control or be able to regulate their own affairs. Royal officials ignoring calls for discussion eventually led to armed insurrection. At the two-hour engagement known as the Battle of Alamance militia under the command of the Royal Governor William Tryon defeated the Regulators. Captain Merrill was one of 12 men convicted of treason and sentenced to death. Merrill and five others were hanged but the others were pardoned by King George III.
The Lexington Square located at the intersection of Main and Center streets is home to the Historic Davidson County courthouse along with several memorials and markers. The Confederate Dead monument stands in the southeast quadrant of the square, at the intersection of S Main and E Center streets. The northeast quadrant (intersection of E Center and N Main streets) hosts memorials to Davidson County Vietnam War and Afghanistan Veterans, WWII and Korean Veterans, and WWI Veterans who died in the Great War. A marker to Captain Benjamin Merrill stands on the northwest quadrant (intersection of W Center and N Main streets) by City of Lexington and Daniel Boone and Nathanael Greene memorials.
Bushes and trees surround the quadrant where the memorial is located.
The Davidson County Veterans Council holds annual Memorial Day services at Lexington Square in downtown Lexington.