sentences:  The Chatham Courthouse was the site of an engagement during the American Revolution on July 17, 1781.On July 16, 1781, Patriot leaders had tried and sentenced to hang several Loyalist leaders.Hearing of their fate, Loyalist leader Colonel David Fanning and his men encircled Chatham Courthouse and took 53 prisoners including Colonel Ambrose Ramsey, some local militia, and three members of the North Carolina General Assembly.