Donaldson’s Tavern Marker Rededication Ceremony

Friday, February 28, 2025; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Battle Park, 1308 Falls Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804

No Cost; Open to the Public

The History

Henry Donaldson, Esq. was one of the founders of Rocky Mount Mills along with Joel Battle, Peter Evans, and John Hogan. These men purchased 35 1/2 acres of land from Eli Ricks at the Great Falls of the Tar River in 1817. Henry Donaldson hosted Lafayette during his overnight stay on February 28, 1825. In November 1933, a bronze marker was placed to commemorate this special place and time. The American Friends of Lafayette, Nash County Historical Association, and Stonewall Manor invite you to join us in ceremoniously rededicating the marker ninety-two years later on the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Donaldson’s Tavern.

The Ceremony

Lafayette will be portrayed by interpreter Samuel Powell. Lafayette and company will arrive by horse-drawn carriage. Remarks will be given by Lafayette and John Mebane, direct descendant of Joel Battle and Rocky Mount Mills Superintendent until closing of the mill in 1996. The marker rededication ceremony will be given by the Micajah Pettaway-Halifax Resolves Chapter, NSDAR.

This is a free outdoor free event; however, we are requesting registration to accommodate seating for as many as possible.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE

Falls of the Tar Lafayette Bicentennial Banquet and Dance

Friday, February 28, 2025; 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Rocky Mount Mills Power House, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Ticketed Event 

The History

Celebrate with us in 1825 style during this historically symbolic event! Lafayette returned to the United States as a “Guest of the Nation.” He toured 24 states during 1824 -1825. In North Carolina, he visited nine locations. Three of those locations held a dinner and a dance to honor him. The Falls of the Tar was the first followed by Raleigh and then Fayetteville. While lodging at Henry Donaldson’s Tavern, overlooking the great falls, Lafayette was honored with a lavish dinner followed by a mazy dance. Afterward, he was lulled to sleep by the delightful sound of falling water.

Donaldson’s Tavern was located near the Stagecoach Road that also ran alongside Rocky Mount Mills. The Bicentennial celebration will be held at the Rocky Mount Mills Power House as we recreate a historically correct event.

The Celebration

• The venue is the beautiful Rocky Mount Mills Power House. Rocky Mount Mills is the second oldest mill in North Carolina.
• A special banquet will be served with two complimentary beverages (beer or wine). A cash bar will be open until 8:30 p.m.
• An interpreter portraying Lafayette will give historical remarks.
• John Mebane, a direct descendant of Joel Battle and superintendent of Rocky Mount Mills until closing in 1996, will give historical remarks.
• The original 13 toasts to Lafayette will be given with arms raised joyously in salute.
• Members of the Tarboro Masonic Lodge will once again sing the 1825 song to Lafayette.
• A six-panel traveling exhibit courtesy of the American Friends of Lafayette will be on display.
• 1800s-period music by a four-string quartet on vintage instruments for your enjoyment.
• Mr. Charles Steplively will call the steps for Regency-era dances.
• Dance lessons by Mr. Steplively will be given on February 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., venue TBD; guests will be notified.
• A shuttle will deliver guests from the parking area to the Power House and back.
• Regency attire is suggested, but not required (Jane Austen, Bridgerton). Guests may elect to wear semi-formal cocktail attire.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE; LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE