The Revolutionary War in SC: The Upstate

Begin your day indulging in the comforting warmth of Southern-style cathead biscuits at Biscuit Head, the perfect fuel for the adventures ahead.  If you'd prefer a more leisurely start, head to Between the Trees. Indulge on a Southern lodge breakfast or vanilla custard French toast as you enjoy panoramic views of Falls Park.

If you want to take the scenic route to Oconee Station State Historic Site, start your day with breakfast at Tandem Crêperie and Coffeehouse in Travelers Rest. Your drive will take you down part of Scenic Highway 11, a 130-mile road once used by the Cherokees and fur traders. 

Located near Walhalla, the Oconee Station State Historic Site served as a military compound and trading post for the South Carolina militia. Explore the well-preserved blockhouse, which was used until 1799, and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. While no battles occurred here, it's a fascinating glimpse into the past.

After exploring the blockhouse, consider taking a short hike to Station Cove Falls, a beautiful waterfall nearby. The hike is relatively easy, and the scenery is worth the short journey.

Before you leave, visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs, including replica colonial goods and literature about the site's history.

If you have the time and are interested in a longer hike, check out the Tamassee Knob Trail in Mountain Rest. The trail winds through a stunning old-growth hardwood forest and offers hikers a spectacular view of the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When you're ready, head to Clemson. If you get hungry along the way, stop in Seneca for lunch. Try 313 Cafe, a local favorite with a welcoming environment, to enjoy locally roasted coffee and freshly baked bread. Another option is Beyond the Bull, a casual restaurant that offers innovative dishes like sea scallop ceviche, Texas quail and Australian grass-fed lamb.

Tiger paws are everywhere in this picturesque town, home to Clemson University. City life revolves around the university, which is located on 20,000 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus has several notable attractions, including the Old Stone Church, Fort Rutledge, Hanover House and Hopewell Plantation.

Built in 1802, the Old Stone Church's early congregation included Revolutionary War heroes Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson. Both are buried in the church's cemetery. Thirteen Revolutionary War patriots, including two women, Jane Lamant Walker and Rebecca Calhoun Pickens, are also buried here.

Hopewell Plantation, home to Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens, is one of Clemson's most important historical landmarks. After the Revolution, Pickens conducted several negotiations here, including the Treaty of Hopewell, a collection of three agreements signed between the United States and the Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw nations in 1785 and 1786. Hopewell represents a typical rural house from the 19th century in the South Carolina backcountry.

Built in 1716 for Paul de St. Julien in Berkeley County, Hanover House was later dismantled and relocated to the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University. Starting in the 1950s, the Spartanburg Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America helped furnish Hanover as a historic house museum with 18th- and 19th-century artifacts. These artifacts are representative of 1700 – 1750 Lowcountry rice plantations.

In 1776, after the Battle of Tamassee, Major Andrew Williamson constructed Fort Rutledge. He stationed 2,300 men during his three-month campaign against the Cherokee Nation and left 300 men garrisoned at Fort Rutledge. The fort was surrendered to the Loyalists in 1780. Although the fort's exact location is unknown, in 1908, the Daughters of the American Revolution requested the construction of a concrete block monument to commemorate Fort Rutledge.

After a long day, treat yourself to dinner at Palmetto’s Smokehouse and Oyster Bar. Located in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Clemson, it features a cozy dining room with a raw oyster bar where fresh oysters from the Gulf Coast, Atlantic and North Atlantic are shucked right in front of you. If you're in the mood for casual pub food, head to The Esso Club, a Clemson institution known for its burgers, sandwiches and salads. Another option is Mac's Drive In, where you can enjoy classic American fare surrounded by Clemson memorabilia covering the walls.

Today's adventure will take you through areas with fewer dining choices. Depending on how much time you'd like to spend at each stop, consider packing a picnic lunch.

Greenfield's Bagels & Deli offers a wide range of bagels, sandwiches and deli items perfect for a packed lunch. Or head to Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, where you'll find a variety of sandwiches, salads and bakery items made with fresh, local ingredients.

Simpsonville is your first stop today, and if you arrive hungry, head to Maple Street Biscuit Company for some fresh-from-the-oven biscuits topped with a delicious assortment of enhancers, including pecan wood-smoked bacon, house-made apple butter, collard greens and a signature "sausage gravy with a kick." Or head over to Authentique French Crêperie for sweet crepes with a wide assortment of fillings from a house-made chocolate sauce to strawberries, raspberries and blueberries topped with salted caramel butter. 

Next, we have the site of the Battle of Great Cane Brake site in the The Old 96 District, the only battle fought in Greenville. During the battle, 4,000 Patriot troops under Col. Richard Richardson attacked and defeated the Loyalists. A plaque commemorating the 1775 battle is located near the Reedy River, which flows through downtown Greenville.

The next stop is a half-hour away in the town of Roebuck. Established in 1767, Walnut Grove Plantation was home to the Moore family, Patriot supporters who hosted the SC militia. This historical site played a significant role in the American Revolution, as local militia gathered there before the Battle of Cowpens. In 1781, Loyalists attacked and killed three Patriot soldiers at the plantation.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the historic home and grounds to learn about the Moore family and their involvement in the American Revolution. Check if there are any hands-on history workshops available during your visit. These workshops can include colonial cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing or candle-making.

Before leaving, stroll peacefully through the plantation's often-overlooked garden. It's an excellent way to reflect on those who once lived there.

Another half-hour drive will bring you to the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Clinton. During the Battle of Musgrove Mill, the outnumbered Patriot militia outlasted the Loyalists in a surprising victory detailed through interpretive signage in the visitor center and along two and a half miles of nature trails.

The battle was a significant turning point in the war, boosting the failing morale of South Carolina Patriots and dispelling the British high command's belief that they had crushed all Patriot resistance following the major Patriot defeats at Camden on August 16, 1780, and Fishing Creek on August 18, 1780. Park staff interprets the Battle of Musgrove Mill and the brutal 'partisan' warfare throughout upstate South Carolina, which divided the loyalties of communities and families during the American Revolution.

Visitors can hike the 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail and stand on both sides of the battle to view it from the British and Patriot perspectives.

Another trail to explore is the 1-mile British Camp trail, where you can see the Mary Musgrove Monument and learn the history behind the legend of Mary Musgrove. The trail loops through the woods along the Enoree River, on what was once Edward Musgrove's property, and the site of a British encampment in August 1780. Points of interest along the trail include the Musgrove house ruins, an 18th-century ford across the river and the Musgrove's grist mill site.

From there, it's on to Lindley's Fort in Laurens, which played a key role in protecting settlers during the war. In July 1776, several hundred Cherokees and Loyalists dressed as Cherokees (Scopholites) attacked the fort at midnight. Major Jonathan Downs had arrived the previous evening with a company of men and helped repulse the attack.

The last stop of the day is Kellett's Blockhouse in Fountain Inn. The recognized site of the Kellett Blockhouse is located on Knickerbocker Rd, about 200 yards from the intersection with Fairview Rd. The Blockhouse was built by Joseph Kellett, a local frontiersman, for the refuge and defense of neighboring pioneer families. It was garrisoned by local militia during the Revolutionary War and was the sister fort to Ft. Lindley, coming to their aid during the 1776 attack.