The Revolutionary War in SC: The Midlands

One of South Carolina’s oldest inland cities, Camden was a strategic location for both the British and Continental armies and the site of two Revolutionary War battles. With more than 100 acres of historic plantation grounds to explore and yearly live-action Revolutionary War battle reenactments, historic Camden is a must-see attraction for history buffs.

Start your day with breakfast classics like omelets, eggs Benedict or shrimp and grits at Eggs Up Grill or try griddle favorites like Southern fried chicken and waffle cakes or stuffed French toast at King’s Kitchen.

After breakfast, head to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, where exhibits and an introductory video explain South Carolina's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Built adjacent to the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, the Visitor Center is composed of several buildings, including the Exhibit Hall, which houses an array of original objects, replicas and interactive exhibits; the Assembly Building, which serves as an educational symposium; and a brick Market Building modeled on an old-style, open-air market.

Take some time to explore the Camden Archives and Museum. You’ll find a diverse collection of genealogical and historical resources, plus local and regional history exhibits, including Camden’s original town clock.

When you’re ready for lunch, head to Salud Mexican Kitchen for flavorful, authentic Mexican dishes, or dine al fresco on a pimento cheese BLT at The Loopy Lemon.

Afterward, explore the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve, where the 1780 Battle of Camden unfolded. Although the Battle of Camden was disastrous for the American cause, it ushered in changes in military leadership that altered the course of the war.

Part of The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, this 107-acre outdoor museum complex features two reinstituted log cabins with exhibits, the restored 1785 Craven House, the restored McCaa’s Tavern and the reconstructed Kershaw-Cornwallis House, which served as Lord Cornwallis’ headquarters during the 1780-1781 Southern campaigns.

Camden is also home to the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill, the Battle of Boykin’s Mill, the Bonds Conway House and the fully restored Historic Robert Mills Courthouse. Other notable attractions include the Quaker Cemetery, the African American Cultural Center of Camden, and the Springdale Race Course and the National Steeplechase Museum.

For dinner, enjoy upscale dining at Sam Kendall’s, which offers classic and contemporary American cuisine, or enjoy a variety of Italian and Greek cuisine at Camden House of Pizza.

Kick off your day in Sumter with breakfast at Baker's Sweets Bistro & Bakery. This cozy hotspot serves breakfast every day until 11 a.m. You can’t go wrong with their selection of pancakes, french toast, omelets and breakfast sandwiches.

After breakfast, visit the General Thomas Sumter Memorial Park, the burial site of the famed "Fighting Gamecock" and namesake of the town and county, as well as Charleston's Fort Sumter. A large marker lists Sumter's many accomplishments.

You can learn more about Sumter at the Sumter County Museum, which comprises the Williams Brice House, the Martha Brice Gardens, Carolina Backcountry Homestead, the Heritage Education Center with McKenzie Hall, and the new award-winning Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.

An Edwardian house built in 1916, the Williams Brice House hosts exhibits on Sumter County through the years, military history and Coca-Cola. The home is surrounded by the Martha Brice Gardens. Designed by Robert Marvin in the early 1960s, the gardens contain dozens of azaleas and camellias, along with magnolias, dogwoods and towering 100-year-old pecan trees.

Stroll across the lawn to the Carolina Backcountry Homestead. The Settler’s House and Commissary are original buildings built between 1812 and 1836, but there are several recreated buildings including a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, outdoor kitchen and more.

For lunch, head to Hamptons, one of the area’s best fine dining restaurants featuring American and Italian dishes. If you prefer to get on the road before lunch, the next stop is in Manning, which is noted for its barbecue—D&H Bar B Que is one of the best.

Manning is near the site of the Battle of Ox Swamp. While not a major battle, the clash between British Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Green Dragoons and American General Francis Marion's brigade gave birth to Marion's famous nickname—the "Swamp Fox." Unable to find Marion and his men, a frustrated Tarleton gave up pursuing the Patriots, saying, "... as for the old fox (Marion), the devil himself could not catch him." You'll find a marker mounted on the wall of the Manning Fire Station and a large painted mural on South Boundary Street (SC 261).

Farther south, off Interstate 95's Exit 102 near Summerton, is Fort Watson, part of a British chain of forts. It was built atop Indian Mound, a large hill that had served for 1,000 years as a burial site for Santee Indians. After an earlier Patriot attack failed, Marion and Lee captured the fort in February 1781, helping force the British to abandon South Carolina. Indian Mound and Fort Watson, now part of Santee National Wildlife Refuge, are open daily to visitors.

The final stop of the day is Eutawville and the site of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, one of the most vital—and bloodiest—Revolutionary War battles in South Carolina. Eutaw Springs Battlefield Park marks the site where General Nathanael Greene attacked and captured a British encampment, killing or wounding 700 British troops and forcing the remainder to retreat to Charleston. The victory was the last major engagement of the war in the South and all but secured control of the region by the Patriots. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1970, the tree-shaded park sits at the edge of Lake Marion and includes a historic marker relating the story of the battle.

On your way back to Camden, stop for dinner at Mill Pond Steakhouse in historic Boykin or stop back in Sumter for fresh pasta at Demara’s Italian Restaurant or Southern cooking with a Cajun twist at Simply Southern Bistro.