The Revolutionary War in the Midlands

South Carolina’s Midlands played a vital role in the American Revolution. As tensions rose, the region—once a patchwork of backcountry settlements—became a fierce battleground that tested loyalties and divided neighbors.

The Hidden History of the American Revolution in the Midlands

From the surprise victory at Musgrove Mill to the bitter losses at Camden, the Midlands were home to both demoralizing defeats and morale-boosting wins. The region’s challenging terrain, scattered forts and independent settlers helped shape a uniquely Southern style of guerrilla warfare that eventually wore down British forces.

The Old 96 District

Explore the locations of battles and skirmishes fought in the five counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick.

Capital City/Lake Murray Country

Learn about South Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War in the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region encompassing Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Saluda counties, where there are numerous stories to hear, artifacts to see and historic sites to explore.

The Olde English District

From 1780 until the end of the American Revolution, the Olde English District—Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York counties—was a hotbed of revolutionary activity as loyalists and Patriots fought for control.

Pee Dee Country

Due to Francis Marion’s success in evading the British in the swampy area of the Pee Dee—including Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marion, Williamsburg and Marlboro counties—he became known as the Swamp Fox, forever linking his name to the Pee Dee region.

Santee Cooper Country

Santee Cooper Country, which includes Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Sumter counties, is a region rich with natural wonders and history, including the location of the last Revolutionary War battle in South Carolina.

Thoroughbred Country

Explore the Revolutionary War in Thoroughbred Country, which encompasses Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties, at several historic sites, a museum and a Living History Park, where visitors can experience living exhibits and demonstrations of colonial life.

The Revolutionary War in SC: The Midlands

Explore several major battle sites, historical markers and museums as you discover the pivotal role South Carolina’s Midlands played in the Revolutionary War.

7 Revolutionary War Sites in South Carolina’s Olde English District

From iron mines at Nanny’s Mountain to the battlefield at Musgrove Mill, explore the Olde English District’s vital role in the American Revolution.

Discover Revolutionary Heroines at Musgrove Mill

Learn the stories of women who played active roles in the Revolution, including Mary Dillard, who acted as a Patriot spy, and Mary Musgrove, whose story captivated the American imagination.

Revolutionary Battle Reenactments at 96 National Historic Site

Tour historic sites like the Logan Log House and Black Swan Tavern, and see Living History re-enactments at the site of the first Southern battle of the American Revolution.

Explore the Revolutionary War in Thoroughbred Country

From Fort Galphin’s captured stronghold to the healing waters of Blackville, Thoroughbred Country holds powerful Revolutionary stories off the beaten path.

5 Columbia Museums to Learn About the American Revolution

Columbia’s museums trace South Carolina’s path to independence, from palmetto fort victories to frontier trading posts turned battlegrounds.

Learn About the Revolution in the Pee Dee Region

Visit local museums and historic churches to learn how the Revolution split communities and motivated unexpected heroes.

Venture Through Camden’s Revolutionary War Days

Explore Colonial and loyalist camps and learn about the history and culture of the American Revolution at the annual Revolutionary War Field Days in Camden.

The Revolutionary History of Andrew Jackson State Park

Visit the museum and 18th-century schoolhouse replica where you can learn about Jackson’s early hardships and the war that defined his future.

Discover the Revolutionary Rivers Trail

History and outdoor adventure collide with a paddling trip down the Revolutionary Rivers Trail.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Destroyed in the fight for independence, the original St. Mark’s bore witness to revolution. The 1855 church that stands now honors centuries of South Carolina history.

Francis Marion Tomb

Francis Marion, a legendary American hero known as the “Swamp Fox,” is buried at the site of Belle Isle plantation.

Eutaw Springs Battleground Park

The site of the last major battle of the Revolution in South Carolina, the park is also the final resting place of British Commander Major John Marjoribanks.

God’s Acre Healing Spring

Credited with restoring four mortally wounded British soldiers during the American Revolution, the land the springs are located on has the unusual distinction of being deeded to God.

Revolutionary-Era Sites and Southern Charm in Lake Hartwell Country

Discover sites tied to South Carolina’s early fight for land and liberty, like Fort Rutledge and Old Stone Church, and the legacy of Colonel Andrew Williamson.

3 Fascinating Revolutionary War Sites in the Old 96 District

The Old 96 District saw neighbors turn against neighbors, and the war left its mark at places like Horn Creek and Musgrove Mill.

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