When people think about South Carolina, an image of a pretty landscape dotted with picturesque churches, paddle-wheel grist mills, and quiet, tranquil villages comes to mind. Two hundred years ago, the upcountry region of South Carolina was not peaceful, yet events there played an enormous influence on the rest of the nation.
Observing beyond seemingly quiet communities reveals evidence of wars which transformed a set of struggling colonies into a united, independent power that still stands for freedom today. The American Revolution and the Civil War left a mark in South Carolina upcountry, a mark that remains in historical landmarks throughout this beautiful region. Inquire about free vacation information, acquire a few tourism brochures, and relive the story of the events that shaped and transformed this area and our nation.
A vacation guide is available. The upcountry region contains several crucial military battle sites which became pivotal turning points of the Revolutionary War. The Musgrove Mill State Historic Site marks the stunning battle where the Yankees outnumbered the British. The battle at Kings Mountain in Blacksburg which blocked the Redcoats from proceeding into North Carolina is commemorated at Kings Mountain Military Park. Cowpens National Battlefield is a memorial dedicated to the monumental victory of Daniel Morgan and the Continental Army over British forces.
Enjoy a tour of Camden, 107 acres of outdoor exhibits and a museum dedicated to the Colonial period and the Revolutionary War. Displays include two 19th century log cabins, the John Craven House, built in 1785, the Cunningham House, built in 1830, and the grand Joseph Kershaw mansion, the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis. The Museum and Library of Confederate History, founded in honor of thousands of Confederate soldiers, holds a variety of exhibits and memorabilia from the Civil War era, including biographies, anthologies, and other documents of that era. Throughout the war, South Carolina residents relied on their faith, and numerous churches remain as silent legacies of resilience.
The Carmel Church is the oldest church in the upcountry region. This ancient relic includes a slave balcony. There is evidence the local community hid in the Nazareth Presbyterian Church, the oldest church in Moore county, during a Revolutionary Battle. The upcountry region of South Carolina is filled with pockets of history through each landmark, church, or restored village community. Each holds interesting tales of bravery and survival for those who wish to begin the journey. So with a few tourism brochures, a vacation guide and free vacation information, a new quest may begin.
About the author: Adam Torkildson has written several travel brochures for the United States Visitor Bureau. He has helped hundreds of people find the perfect vacation.