Revolutionary War Sites in
the Olde English District
From 1780 until the end of the American Revolution, the Olde English District was a hub for revolutionary activity. The loyalists (locals who remained loyal to the British crown) and the patriots fought several battles on the soil across the Olde English District.
The patriots believed that the strong arm of British rule was not in keeping with the divine rights of the common man. President George Washington, as commander of the Continental Army, ordered his ablest general, Nathanael Greene, to take command of the march through the South. Greene’s opposition: General Charles Cornwallis.
General Greene divided his army into two groups, sending 600 soldiers under the command of General Daniel Morgan into South Carolina. General Cornwallis sent Banastre Tarlton in pursuit of Morgan. The British believed that with the help of the loyalists, victory in the South would be theirs.
Morgan and his men fought the British in grueling battles across the countryside. Even when the Americans were outnumbered, they charged against the enemy. Greene was able to weaken the British, and after the exhausting battles in the south, Cornwallis retreated to Virginia. In Yorktown, Virginia, Cornwallis met his defeat at the hands of the French reinforcements and the Continental Army.
Today, visitors can learn more about the war through an immersive, personal experience. Below are several historic sites to visit, along with the many battles fought in the Olde English District many years ago.
Trip 1: Lancaster County to Kershaw County
Start this trip in Indian Land (Lancaster County) and fuel up with a cup of coffee from Burr & Berry Coffee. Then head to Old Six Mile Creek Cemetery, where Colonel William Hagins, Captain Hugh Coffee and Lieutenant Drury Watson are buried.
Make your way to Andrew Jackson State Park to check out the museum and learn all about life in the Carolina backcountry during Revolutionary times. While in Lancaster, stop by the Native American Studies Center to learn more about the role Native Americans had during the Revolutionary War and Buford’s Battleground to learn why this was a turning point in the Southern campaign.
Next on the itinerary is a stop at the Battle of Hanging Rock Historic Site, just about 5 miles south of Heath Springs. Enjoy the drive through Longleaf Pines and pastoral scenery before discovering the Revolutionary War Visitor Center and the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, where you will discover a national historic district and open-air museum, located just minutes from downtown Camden.
Before the day is over, plan a visit to the Camden Archives and Museum. The museum has a constant fresh collection for history buffs, and the Ross E. Beard Gun Collection features weaponry used all over the world in various battles, including the American Revolutionary War.
End the evening on Broad Street with a meal from Salud Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, Sam Kendall’s or Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill.
Trip 2: Chester County to York County to Union County
Start your excursion in Chester County’s Great Falls to see the fields that remain of the Battle of Beckhamville, the Battle of Fishdam Ford, and the Battle of Fishing Creek. (The three sites have placards to indicate location.) Then head to nearby downtown Chester to visit the Chester County Historic Society Museum in the old 1914 county jail. (Pro tip: Request a guided tour to learn more about life in the Revolutionary War era.) While in Chester, stop by Wild Bees Bottleshop for a cold one or Broad River Mercantile for some shopping.
Next, head to York County’s McConnells to visit Historic Brattonsville, the site of the Battle of Huck’s Defeat. This 800-acre living history farm offers more than 30 historical structures and features backcountry life programming throughout the year, like sheep shearing days.
Make your way through York County to visit Kings Mountain National Military Park, which commemorates a key Revolutionary War battle. Right down the road is Kings Mountain State Park, which offers activities to relax and connect with nature.
Up next is a stop in Union County. Take a walk through the Union County Museum before heading to the iconic Midway BBQ in Buffalo. Drive a short distance to Blackstock Battlefield, which is situated along the Tyger River. (There’s a historical marker to find your place.) Lastly, head to the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. There are plenty of short trails across rolling hills to explore.
