3 Fascinating Revolutionary War Sites in the Old 96 District

The Ninety Six District was one of the most prominent backcountry areas of South Carolina in the early 1700s. But it was also neglected, with frontier settlers left on their own without support from the colonial government in Charleston. That changed in the years leading up to the American Revolution, creating a mishmash of loyalties in the area.

Patriot and Loyalist militias were raised. Campaigns were carried out. And skirmishes left the district marred. South Carolina’s first death in the Revolutionary War happened at the same site as the war’s longest siege. The Ninety Six District, forgotten and ignored for so long, was now an important frontier to everyone involved.

Learn about the three fascinating Revolutionary War sites you can visit in the Old 96 District and a few other things to do while in the area.

Horn Creek Baptist Church

During the Revolutionary War, the Ninety Six District was a contentious frontier that pitted neighbors against each other. In 1781, Patriot Captain Thomas Key attacked a British outpost on Horn’s Creek, killing Captain John Clark and capturing three others. Later that same year, Loyalists launched an attack against a Patriot blockhouse.

Founded in 1768, Horn Creek Baptist Church is a backcountry gem to explore. The nearby Edgefield Country Historical Society offers complimentary guided tours of the 1784 church building. After touring the church, return to the Discovery Center to explore the museum’s Revolutionary War exhibits.

Insider Tip: Horn Creek Baptist Church is gated on a remote gravel road. Contact the historical society about tours.

Don’t Miss: Three Star Vineyard in nearby Johnston offers a rare treat—wine slushies. At least a dozen slushy flavors are always available. Can’t choose? Do the slushy flight and you can try five wine slushies.

Where to Eat: Mario’s Pizzeria is one of the latest additions to Edgefield, churning out made-to-order brick oven pizzas. Christine’s Farm to Fork is only open for dinner and features a large menu of appetizers, entrees and steaks, using many local ingredients. The Old Edgefield Grille is the most interesting place to dine in town, located inside a converted house. Get a table on the covered front porch or inside one of the rooms with views through towering windows.

Ninety Six National Historic Site

1103 SC-248, Ninety Six, SC | 864-543-4068

When Loyalists under the command of Patrick Cunningham captured a shipment of gunpowder, Colonel Andrew Williamson mustered a militia and marched into the Ninety Six District to capture him. Williamson arrived in the small village of Ninety Six with 550 men and built a rudimentary stockade fort at Savage’s Old Fields near the courthouse.

On November 19, 1775, Cunningham arrived with nearly 2,000 Loyalists and surrounded the fort. The Battle of Ninety Six lasted two days and resulted in South Carolina’s first casualty of the Revolutionary War—James Birmingham.

Almost six years later, the fighting returned to Ninety Six. After the British victories at Charleston and Camden, Lieutenant Colonel John Harris Cruger was sent to fortify the backcountry town. He supervised the construction of a star-shaped earthen fort and a stronger stockade fort.

After defeating General Charles Cornwallis in North Carolina and fighting to a standstill in Camden, General Nathanael Greene marched to Ninety Six. He began a siege of the Star Fort that lasted 37 days—the longest siege of the Revolutionary War. Although he could never capture the fort, the British soon retreated to Charleston.

Begin your visit to Ninety Six National Historical Site at the visitor center with an excellent film depicting Greene’s final effort to capture the Star Fort. Then, walk the 1-mile Historic Interpretive Trail to see a re-created stockade fort and the James Birmingham Memorial, walk through the site of the Old Ninety Six Village and visit the extant Star Fort, one of the most intact star forts in the world.

Don’t Miss: Tucked into an alcove at the edge of the forest, a two-story wooden observation deck features a sweeping view of the Star Fort and the surrounding landscape.

Where to Eat: In Greenwood, just thirty minutes away, go to The Mill House for delicious brick oven pizzas. Then, walk next door to Good Times Brewing for craft beer and comfortable armchairs to spend the evening.

Where to Stay: Inn on the Square is a charming and comfortable boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Greenwood. Book one of the corner rooms for the best view of the small city. In the morning, head downstairs for a complimentary hot breakfast.

Battle of Musgrove’s Mill State Historic Site

398 State Park Rd, Clinton, SC | 864-938-0100

After their victory at the Battle of Camden in mid-1780, the British quickly moved across the South Carolina backcountry to secure outposts, prevent Patriot uprisings and recruit Loyalists. When a unit of British regulars camped at Edward Musgrove’s mill on the Enoree River, Lieutenant Colonels Isaac Shelby, Elijah Clarke and James Williams knew they had a chance to earn a much-needed Patriot victory.

On the morning of August 19, Captain Shadrack Inman took 25 men across the Enoree River and feigned surprise at bumping into a British encampment. The British gave chase, crossed the river and ran into the Patriot’s ambush. By the end of the battle, the British commander was dead, 150 more were dead or wounded and 70 were captured.

The Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site preserves the site of the British encampment on the Enoree River, though nothing remains of Musgrove’s mill today. Hike the short trail to the river and read the interpretive signs along the way. Then, drive across the river and park near the battlefield for another trail and interpretive signs.

Don’t Miss: Horseshoe Falls is a small cascading waterfall near the Battlefield Trail. It’s handicap accessible and flowing most of the year.

Where to Eat: Just 15 minutes away, Clinton is home to Presbyterian College, a stunning college campus for portraits and selfies. On Musgrove Street, shop for gifts, cigars, and clothing, and then get something to eat at House of Pizza.