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 |
The Ninety Six National Historic Site is a special place in South Carolina, USA. It's also known as Old Ninety Six and Star Fort. This site helps protect the original location of a small town called Ninety Six.
The town was first settled in the early 1700s. Today, the historic site covers about 1,022 acres. It became a National Historic Site in 1976. This was done to preserve its important history.
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Exploring the History of Ninety Six
The name "Ninety Six" has an interesting story. Many people think it refers to the distance in miles to a Cherokee town called Keowee. However, the actual distance is about 78 miles.
Another idea is that "Ninety Six" comes from "the nine and six." This might refer to two groups of streams in the area. Nine streams flow into Marion and Henley creeks. Six streams flow into Thompsons Creek.
Ninety Six During the American Revolutionary War
By the time of the American Revolutionary War, Ninety Six was a busy village. About 100 settlers lived there. The first land battle of the war in South Carolina happened here. It was from November 19-21, 1775.
During this battle, Major Andrew Williamson tried to get back gunpowder taken by Loyalists. Loyalists were people who supported the British King. Williamson's group was outnumbered, so they made a truce.
Ninety Six became a strong base for the Loyalists. The British Army built defenses there in 1780. They saw it as a very important location.
The Siege of Ninety Six
From May 22 to June 18, 1781, a major battle took place. Major General Nathanael Greene led about 1,000 American troops. They tried to capture the town from 550 Loyalists. This event is called the Siege of Ninety-Six.
The main part of the siege focused on an earthen star fort. A star fort is a fort shaped like a star. Even though Greene's American "Patriots" had more soldiers, they could not take the town.
In 1973, Ninety Six was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great national importance. In 2006, a special event marked the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Star Fort.
Visiting Ninety Six National Historic Site Today
The Ninety Six National Historic Site is located two miles south of the modern town of Ninety Six. You can find it on South Carolina Highway 248. The National Park Service manages the site.
There is a visitor center with a small museum. The museum shows items found at the site. It also has oil paintings of the battle and local leaders. You can watch a video about the battle and visit a gift shop. Visitors can also rent an audio tour to guide them through the park.
Trails and Historic Features
A one-mile walking trail starts at the visitor center. This trail takes you to the remains of the Star Fort. You can also see the original site of the old town of Ninety Six.
Other trails go through the woods. These paths lead to Star Fort Pond. You can also find an old cemetery there. It is believed to be a slave cemetery from after colonial times. The graves of Major James Gouedy and Major James Mayson are also along these trails. Gouedy was an important trader in the early days of Ninety Six. Mayson captured gunpowder for the Americans.
See also
In Spanish: Parque histórico Ninety Six para niños
