Ninety Six National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ninety Six National Historic Site |
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 Ninety Six National Historic Site
Location in South Carolina
Ninety Six National Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ninety Six, SC, United States |
| Nearest city | Greenwood, South Carolina |
| Area | 1,022 acres (414 ha) |
| Established | August 19, 1976 |
| Visitors | 28,734 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Ninety Six National Historic Site |
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Ninety Six and Star Fort
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| Nearest city | Ninety Six, South Carolina |
| Architect | Henry Haldane |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000169 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
Ninety Six National Historic Site, also called Old Ninety Six and Star Fort, is a special place in the United States. It's about 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Greenville, South Carolina. This historic site helps protect the original town of Ninety Six, which started in the early 1700s.
It became a National Historic Site in 1976 and covers 1,022 acres. It was first recognized as important in 1969. Then, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
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The Story of Ninety Six
The name "Ninety Six" has a few interesting ideas about where it came from. One popular idea is that it was 96 miles from a Cherokee town called Keowee. However, the actual distance is closer to 78 miles.
Another idea suggests the name comes from "the nine and six." This refers to two groups of streams flowing south. Nine streams feed into Marion and Henley creeks, and six streams feed into Thompsons Creek. This is unique because the nearby Saluda River usually has streams flowing from the north and east.
Ninety Six During the American Revolution
By the time of the American Revolutionary War, Ninety Six was a busy village with about 100 people. It became a very important spot during the war.
First Battle in South Carolina
The first land battle of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina happened here. It was called the siege of Savage's Old Fields. This battle took place from November 19-21, 1775. Major Andrew Williamson led local soldiers. He tried to get back ammunition and gunpowder taken by people loyal to the British king. He was outnumbered, so he made a truce with them.
A Stronghold for Loyalists
Ninety Six became a strong base for people loyal to the British king. These people were called Loyalists. The British Army saw it as a key location and made it even stronger in 1780.
The Siege of Star Fort
From May 22 to June 18, 1781, a big battle happened here. Major General Nathanael Greene led about 1,000 American soldiers, called Patriots. They tried to take the town from 550 Loyalists. The Loyalists were defending a special fort made of earth, shaped like a star. This was called the Siege of Star Fort.
Even though the Americans had more soldiers, they could not capture the town. The Loyalists held strong. In 2006, a special event was held to remember the 225th anniversary of this important battle.
Visiting Ninety Six Today
The Ninety Six National Historic Site covers 1,022 acres. It is located two miles (3.2 kilometers) south of the modern town of Ninety Six.
Visitor Center and Trails
The National Park Service runs a visitor center. Inside, you can see a small museum with items found at the site. There are also paintings of the battle and important leaders from the American Revolution. You can watch a video about the battle and visit the gift shop. Visitors can also rent an audio tour to guide them through the park.
A one-mile (1.6 kilometer) trail starts at the visitor center. It takes you to the remains of the Star Fort and the original town site of Ninety Six. Other trails go through the woods. These lead to Star Fort Pond and an old cemetery. You can also find the graves of Major James Gouedy and Major James Mayson. Gouedy was important in starting Ninety Six. Mayson captured a lot of gunpowder for the Americans.
See also
