How to Tour Revolutionary War Battlefields of South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Information lists more than 150 battles fought on Palmetto State soil during the American Revolution from 1775 through 1783. Most of these were nothing more than one-volley skirmishes or even less, but there are several battle sites that are historically important and worth a visit. The fact that Mel Gibson made a move in South Carolina, "The Patriot," about the conflict says a lot about visiting this state's battlefields.
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Instructions
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The best place to start is at King's Mountain, which is located off Interstate 85 near the North Carolina border. At 4,000 acres, this is one of the largest Revolutionary war parks in the country that includes a 1.5-mile battle trail, a museum and a film that shows every 45 minutes. The best time to go is October, when there are reenactments of the 1780 battle.
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Head south on I-85 again to find the next battlefield at exit 83 at Cowpens. This was a major victory for colonial forces and helped lead to the end of the war in 1783. This battlefield is about eight miles from the interstate. The best time to go is the Fourth of July weekend when they have reenactments plus fireworks.
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Get back on I-85 and turn south on I-26. Get off at exit 51. Turn left at the second traffic light and go to miles to find the Ninety Six National Historic Site. The first Southern battle of the war was fought here and in 1781 American forces failed to capture the British garrison at the wooden fort. The best time to go is Saturdays when actors do living history tours.
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Drive south on I-26 and then take the Florence exit onto I-20 east. Drive about 30 miles and you will arrive in Camden, the site of another battle." Sometimes dubbed the Battle of Gum Swamp, this battle site is being developed and preserved. There is a good museum near the site that chronicles the battle, which was an American defeat.
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Keep going west in I-26 and then head south on I-95 toward Charleston. Look for signs for Sullivan's Island to find Fort Moultrie, whose distinctive palmetto tree logs helped withstands a nine-hour British siege in 1776. That is how South Carolina got its distinctive palmetto tree symbol. Call ahead to make reservations to see the site.
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Tips & Warnings
Most of the nearby towns have some kind of memorial or more history related to these battles. For example, Spartanburg has a statue of Gen. Daniel Morgan, the hero of Cowpens.
When looking up online information such as directions for Ninety Six National Historic Site, make sure to use that name only. Otherwise you will get a golf course.
