Finding the trail to Troublesome Creek: An application of GIS to identify Nathanael Greene's withdrawal route and position after the battle of Guilford Courthouse, 15--16 March 1781

The purpose of this thesis was to identify the most likely withdrawal route and position of General Nathanael Greene and his Southern Continental Army after the battle of Guilford Courthouse, 15 March 1781. Based on period and modern military tactics, historic maps, modern spatial data and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, three possible retreat routes and two probable defensive positions were defined. Research completed on General Nathanael Greene's actions, as well as, modern military tactics suggest probable retreat routes of the Continental Army to followed north from the Guilford Courthouse Battleground over existing roads that followed the ridge lines and minimized river and creek crossings. The withdrawal position has been loosely identified from earlier research; therefore this thesis provided more accurate insight as to the most likely location using modern military tactics and GIS.;Ultimately the findings of this thesis will serve as supporting data for further research in order to precisely locate the withdraw routes and defensive position at Troublesome Creek Ironworks. This thesis will aid ongoing archaeological, historical and geographic research at the site. Finally, it is hoped that the area will be dedicated as a national historic battlefield site.