In the small crossroads community of St. Johns in Hertford County, North Carolina, many have claimed that a Confederate Sentry is still hard at work manning his post.
On February 20, 1862, the town of Winton, NC, became the first community in North Carolina to be burned by Union forces. In March of that year, a Confederate Sentry was stationed in a giant oak tree near a large farmhouse that would be a prime target for the enemy to burn. He was instructed to wave a hand if he saw anyone approach or light a couple of matches if someone approached after day. Unfortunately before he could give the signal a Union sharpshooter took him down with a single shot which alerted the Confederate defenses. After a scuffle, the remaining Union troops picked an alternate route, and the community of Union was spared destruction. It is said that the sentry is still at his perch.
“The sentry has not shirked his duty. He’s still seen in his gray uniform sitting in the tree, greeting passersby. Sometimes he’s lying at the base of the tree. At night, neighbors have reported the flare of a small handful of matches coming from the fork in the tree—where any right-thinking tree sitter would sit—just long enough and bright enough to signal someone in the house.”
Written By: Al Parker, Murfreesboro Historical Association
