Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers trod through South Carolina, leaving behind a trail of history at what are now historical sites in South Carolina state parks. Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site near Clinton and Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site in Ehrhardt, SC, are battlefields in the state park system where fierce fights took place.
Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site preserves, protects, and interprets the site of the August 19, 1780, American Revolutionary War battle of Musgrove’s Mill. This battle between 200 Patriot militia and a joint force of 200 Loyalist militia and 300 British Provincial troops was a surprising Patriot victory and a major turning point during the Revolutionary War. This victory boosted the failing morale of South Carolina Patriots and dispelled the British high command’s belief that they had crushed all Patriot resistance following the major Patriot defeats at Camden on August 16, 1780, and Fishing Creek on August 18, 1780. Park staff interprets not only the Battle of Musgrove’s Mill, but also the brutal ‘partisan’ warfare that took place throughout upstate South Carolina that divided the loyalties of communities and families during the American Revolution
The battle and the history of the Revolutionary War in the South Carolina Backcountry is detailed through interpretative signage in the Visitor Center and along the 1-mile British Camp Trail and a 1.5-mile Battlefield trail.
Natural features of the park include Horseshoe Falls, a fishing pond, and the Enoree River. Special events, Ranger Guided Hikes, and Living History programs are held at the park throughout the year.
This Civil War site in Ehrhardt, South Carolina hosts the remaining, century-and-a-half-old earthen fortifications from the two-day Battle of Rivers Bridge. Confederate soldiers made their last stand against General William T. Sherman, and ultimately lost before Sherman marched to Columbia and destroyed a third of the city. About 260 troops were injured or killed, including 170 Confederates.
Ranger and self-guided tours of the park are available, including a three-quarter mile interpretive nature trail. Guests can also have lunch at the park at one of the picnic shelters and go boating or canoeing on the Salkehatchie River.