Visit Old St. David’s Church: A Revolutionary-Era Landmark in Cheraw
A Historic Landmark in Cheraw
Old St. David’s Church stands as one of the oldest surviving Anglican churches in South Carolina and one of the most important historic sites in Cheraw. Built during the colonial period, the church connects visitors to the religious, cultural and military history of the Revolutionary era.
A Church Through Times of Conflict
Constructed in the early 1770s, Old St. David’s served residents during a period marked by rapid growth and political tension. It was the last Anglican parish established in South Carolina under British rule.
During the Revolutionary War, the surrounding region experienced military movement, shifting loyalties and economic disruption. Smaller troop movements and regional conflicts frequently passed through the Pee Dee area during the war, connecting Cheraw to the broader network of Revolutionary activity across the backcountry. The church remained an important gathering place for the community throughout these changes. Several notable Revolutionary War figures are also connected to the church and adjacent cemetery grounds.
What You Will Experience
Visitors can:
- Explore the historic sanctuary
- Walk through the cemetery and grounds
- Learn about colonial and Revolutionary-era life in Cheraw
- Discover stories connected to residents and military leaders
The setting offers a quieter and more reflective experience compared to larger battlefield sites.
Why It Matters on the Backcountry Revolution Trail
Old St. David’s Church is included on the Backcountry Revolution Trail because it helps tell the story of civilian and religious life during the Revolution.
The site provides insight into how communities endured uncertainty and conflict during the Southern Campaign. It also reflects the deep historical roots of the Olde English District beyond military engagements alone.
Along the Trail: Where to Visit Next
- Greene’s Camp of Repose (Wallace, SC): Just across the Pee Dee from Cheraw, a granite marker near the intersection of US 1 and SC 9 commemorates the site where General Nathanael Greene established his “Camp of Repose” from December 1780 through January 1781. It’s a valuable stop for understanding how Cheraw fit into the wider Southern Campaign.
- Pegues Place (Cheraw, SC): At Pegues Place, visitors can connect with the diplomatic side of the Revolution as well as the military one. On May 3, 1781, a prisoner exchange was signed at the home of Capt. Claudius Pegues, linking Cheraw to the broader network of Revolutionary-era events in the Pee Dee region.
- Lafayette Tour Marker (Cheraw, SC): The Lafayette Tour Marker at 235 3rd Street recalls the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Cheraw, the first town he visited in South Carolina during his farewell tour. It’s a useful reminder that Cheraw’s Revolutionary heritage continued to resonate long after the war ended.
Plan Your Visit: Stay, Dine & Explore
- Stay: Make Cheraw your home base for a Revolutionary-era getaway. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cheraw is a new downtown hotel with suites, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool and a fitness center, while The Guest House of Cheraw offers a cozy bed-and-breakfast experience in the historic district, just steps from shops, restaurants and historic architecture.
- Dine: For an easy downtown meal, Bistro on 2nd is listed by the Town of Cheraw as a local dining option, and Dizzy’s Bar & Grill at SpringHill Suites gives visitors an on-site place to eat without leaving the heart of town. If you want another casual stop, The River’s Edge is another Cheraw favorite for lunch or dinner.
- Explore: Round out your visit with Old St. David’s Church itself, one of South Carolina’s oldest surviving Anglican churches and a landmark deeply tied to the Revolutionary era, plus the Historic Cheraw Cell Phone Tour and Cheraw State Park, where scenic trails, a lake and golf course make it easy to blend history with a little fresh air.
Plan Your Backcountry Adventure
Before you arrive, be sure to tune into our upcoming Backcountry Revolution Trail Podcast to hear the diverse, untold voices of 1776 come to life.
The trail is marked. The hallowed ground is waiting. Discover the real story of the Revolution—plan your visit to the Olde English District today.
