Over 200 Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes took place in South Carolina. With the 250th anniversary this year of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, now is the time to explore some key victories and our state’s role in America’s independence. Here is a 2-day itinerary to help you get to know the history of our country while walking in the footsteps of the soldiers.
DAY 1
Stop 1: 2 hours
If we follow the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which stretches 330 miles, it traces the route used by the patriot militia during the pivotal campaign of 1780. At the end of this trail is Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg, which preserves the battle site of what Thomas Jefferson called “the turn of the tide of success.” Watch a film in the visitor’s center, explore the museum, or walk the 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail. On the trail lies the grave of Scottish Commander Patrick Ferguson of the British forces.
Stop 2: 2 hours
Your next stop along the Overmountain Victory Trail is Cowpens National Battlefield, just 40 minutes away down Interstate 85. The Patriots’ General Daniel Morgan is credited with the tactical masterpiece of the entire war: the double envelopment, a classic military tactic to surround the enemy. Here you’ll find a 1.2-mile walking trail that crosses through the battlefield, a 3.5-mile biking and driving trail that loops around the battlefield perimeter, interpretative signs, a visitors center with a museum, plus a restored log cabin.
Bonus Stop: 1 hour
Want to Dig Deeper? Stop in the newly opened Carolina Rising museum at the Gaffney Carnegie Library. Guests see through the eyes of Cherokee County’s patriots and loyalists, they will discover previously-untold stories of the Revolutionary War. They will interact with the characters and environment of the Southern Campaign through state-of-the-art 3D video technology.
Food: Plenty of options for national chains in Gaffney along with locally owned restaurants for BBQ, pizza, Mexican, burgers and more. https://www.getintogaffney.com/restaurants/
Where to Stay: From campgrounds to historic inns to national chains, find your option here: https://upcountrysc.com/stay/
DAY 2
Stop 3: 2 hours
During the War, American militia forces met and mustered at Walnut Grove Plantation. Local tradition says that Margaret Catherine “Kate” Moore Barry helped scout Spartanburg County for General Daniel Morgan and was instrumental in helping warn the Americans before the Battle of Cowpens. Take a tour through the doctor’s office, kitchen, cabin, blacksmith forge, smokehouse, and more to learn about life in the Backcountry during Colonial times.
Stop 4: 1.5 hours
Travel 30 minutes down Interstate 26. Musgrove Mill State Historic Site commemorates a bloody battle where a force of about 200 Patriots defeated about 500 Loyalists and British troops. Along with a Visitor Center, there are two trails—the 1-mile British encampment trail and the 1.5-mile battlefield trail—which are dotted with informational kiosks. Don’t miss Horseshoe Falls near the beginning of the battlefield trail.
History lies in every corner of the Upcountry. Discover our country’s past as you experience our Southern hospitality.
Based on an article by Hope S. Philbrick. Read the original article, including maps, annual events, and a timeline of the War at RevWarUpcountrySC.com.
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