Musgrove Mill State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Musgrove's Mill Historic Battle Site
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Visitors Center, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Cross Anchor, South Carolina |
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| Area | 380 acres (150 ha) |
| Built | 1780 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001708 |
| Added to NRHP | March 4, 1975 |
The Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is a special place in South Carolina. It was the location of an important fight during the American Revolutionary War. This battle, called the Battle of Musgrove Mill, happened on August 19, 1780.
The site is near the Enoree River. It sits where Spartanburg, Laurens, and Union Counties meet. It's about seven miles from Interstate 26. Today, you can visit this historic spot and learn about its past.
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The Battle of Musgrove Mill
The Battle of Musgrove Mill was a fierce fight during the American Revolution. It showed how brave and clever the American fighters could be. This battle took place in the summer of 1780.
Who Fought at Musgrove Mill?
In August 1780, about 200 American fighters, called Patriot militiamen, planned an attack. They thought they would face a similar number of British supporters, known as Loyalists. These Loyalists were camped near a river crossing on the Enoree River.
However, the Patriots were surprised. The Loyalists had recently gained 300 more fighters. Two hundred of these were trained British soldiers. They came from a British post at Ninety Six, South Carolina.
A Clever Plan for Victory
When the Patriots discovered the larger enemy force, they couldn't retreat easily. A direct attack would also be very risky. So, they came up with a smart plan.
The Patriots quickly set up defenses. They hid behind logs and bushes on a nearby ridge. Then, they tricked the Loyalists into attacking them first. A tough battle followed. The Patriots fought bravely and nearly defeated the Loyalists completely.
After the Battle
Despite their victory, the Patriot militia soon learned bad news. American forces had lost a major battle, the Battle of Camden, just three days earlier. Because of this, the Patriots at Musgrove Mill also decided to retreat.
A North Carolina Patriot leader, Colonel Isaac Shelby, was part of this battle. He led a small group of fighters called the Overmountain Men. They had traveled a long way to fight at Musgrove Mill. After the battle, Colonel Shelby and his men went back over the Appalachian Mountains. They returned to Sycamore Shoals in what is now Elizabethton, Tennessee.
Colonel Shelby later helped gather more Patriot officers. This gathering happened at Sycamore Shoals on September 25, 1780. It was in preparation for another important battle, the Battle of Kings Mountain, which took place on October 7, 1780.
Visiting Musgrove Mill Today
The Musgrove Mill battle site was recognized as a special place in 1975. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is a State Historic Site that welcomes visitors.
The park has a visitor center with interesting displays. These exhibits help you understand the history of the site. There is also a memorial to Mary Musgrove, a legendary figure.
You can explore the site on two marked trails. There is a nice picnic area for families. Visitors can also enjoy a fishing pond and a canoe launch. A small waterfall adds to the beauty of the park. It's a great place to learn about history and enjoy nature.
