Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site
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Historic Camden Revolutionary War restoration, September 2012
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Camden, South Carolina, United States |
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| Area | 107 acres (0.43 km2) |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000170 |
| Added to NRHP | July 29, 1969 |
The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is a special place in Camden, South Carolina. It's a national historic district and an open-air museum. This means it's a protected area with old buildings and grounds that show what life was like during the American Revolutionary War.
The site is about 107 acres large. It's also known as Historic Camden Revolutionary War Restoration. You can find it about 40 minutes from Columbia, the state capital. It's one of South Carolina's biggest tourist spots. This important site is looked after by private groups and local governments. It's also connected with the National Park Service.
Contents
Why Camden Was Important
Camden played a big role during the American Revolutionary War. After the British took Charleston, South Carolina, Camden became their main supply base. This was from spring 1780 to spring 1781. It was also where two major battles happened: the Battle of Camden and the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill.
Camden was key for the British to control the back country of South Carolina. At that time, Camden had homes and military barracks. These were surrounded by a tall fence made of logs called a palisade. There were also five small forts called redoubts. Other strong points like a house, a jail, and a powder magazine were also part of the defenses. These were placed around the town to protect it.
British Control and Battles
The British really wanted to control Camden. This was because it was located at a crossroads. Important routes to big Southern cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia met there. The main Battle of Camden took place about nine miles (14 km) north of the site. Other smaller fights happened within 20 miles (32 km) of the town.
Between the summers of 1780 and 1781, the British won many of these battles. However, they lost many soldiers. These costly fights made the British army weaker. They also made more people in Britain want the war to end. The Historic Camden site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
Explore the Museum Site
At Historic Camden, you can see many buildings that have been rebuilt or fixed up. These buildings show what the town looked like during the colonial era. Many of them have items from the Revolutionary War. These artifacts were found right at the site.
The museum also shares updates and historical facts on its Facebook page. You can see photos and videos of reenactments there.
Key Buildings and Features
- Joseph Kershaw Mansion: This house was rebuilt in 1977. It's also known as the Kershaw-Cornwallis House. The original mansion was used by British General Charles Cornwallis. It was his headquarters in the Carolinas during the 11 months the British army occupied the town.
- 1785 John Craven House: This house has been restored and furnished to look like it did long ago.
- 1830 Cunningham House: This building now holds the tour office and gift shop.
- Log Houses: Two log houses built around 1800 now have exhibits about the war. These are the Bradley house and Craven house.
- Rebuilt Moat: A moat that existed during the Revolution has been rebuilt on the grounds.
- Military Fortifications: Throughout the park, you can see rebuilt military forts. They show what these defenses looked like during the Revolution.
- Blacksmith Exhibit: Here, you can watch live demonstrations. Blacksmiths show how things were made in colonial times.
Activities and Events
Every year, during the first weekend in November, Historic Camden hosts a popular event. It's called "Revolutionary War Field Days." During this weekend, people reenact military operations. Both British and American forces are shown. Hundreds of reenactors come from over 20 states each year. These reenactments are some of the oldest Revolutionary War reenactments in the United States. They are very accurate and have live commentary.
Throughout the weekend, the reenactors stay in character. Visitors can walk through the camps and see what life was like. You can experience blacksmithing, watch campfire cooking, and see live dance shows from the 18th century.
The museum also offers different tours. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own. There's also a 0.7-mile nature trail and a picnic area.
Historic Camden also welcomes volunteers. The site relies on donations and local government funding. So, volunteers are very important for keeping the site and its facilities in good shape.
