Revolutionary War
Revolutionary War Sites in the OED
Within the Olde English District are many stirring testaments to the significance of the Revolutionary War. Across the region are battlegrounds, monuments and educational sites dedicated to preserving South Carolina’s contribution to the dawn of the American Revolution.
Andrew Jackson State Park
Andrew Jackson State Park, honoring the only U.S. president born in South Carolina, includes a museum dedicated to his childhood. Jackson, who participated in the Revolutionary War as a young teenager, was greatly affected by his time as a British prisoner of war. This arguably played a part in his role as a general in the War of 1812, when he defeated the British.
Battle of Hanging Rock
In Lancaster County, the Battle of Hanging Rock is one of the strongest symbols of the spirit of the Revolutionary War. At this historic site, the Patriots failed to completely defeat the British but delivered a mighty blow to their strategy. This turning point for Patriots in the South, marked by an unusual rock formation with a granite stone at its base, set the tenor for the Revolutionary War.
Buford’s Battleground
Marking one of South Carolina’s Revolutionary War battles, Buford’s Battleground monuments stand atop the gravesite of more than 200 American soldiers who lost their lives. The site is named after Col. Abraham Buford, who suffered a disastrous defeat here at the hands of British Loyalist leader Banastre Tarleton.
History in Cheraw
The town of Cheraw was a significant site for both sides during the Revolutionary War. Not only did British troops rest here, but the Americans established headquarters in Cheraw. The final result of independence left the town especially devastated in terms of economic ruin and loss of life. Today, many important locations in the Revolutionary War timeline remain in Cheraw, including Old St. David’s Church.
Historic Brattonsville
Historic Brattonsville in York County gives an up-close view of life in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War timeline, as well as a better understanding of the struggle for freedom that Americans faced. Through historical reenactments, restorations and exhibits, the 800-acre site makes it easy to imagine the sights, sounds and realities of a battle-torn 18th century.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
For the love of liberty, there’s perhaps no better South Carolina Revolutionary War site than Kings Mountain National Military Park. An enduring monument to the Patriot militia’s strategic victory over British Loyalists — a turning point hailed by Thomas Jefferson as “the turn of the tide of success” — the park offers an informational Visitors Center as well as educational materials.
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
The above-mentioned Southern Campaign is also the subject of the Revolutionary War Visitor Center in Camden. Revolutionary War reenactments and other exciting opportunities abound to immerse yourself in this important moment in American history. You’ll also find information about local historic monuments highlighting Revolutionary War battles.
Saturated with riveting tales and remarkable exploits, the Olde English District preserves the importance of South Carolina in the Revolutionary War with modern-day interactive opportunities, ensuring the enduring spirit of freedom and national pride is accessible to future generations.