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Explore South Carolina's Revolutionary History
Many historians consider the Revolutionary War to have been decided in the swamps, fields, woods and mountains of the South, won by the resilience and determination of Continental soldiers and Patriot militia. Although the full story of the Southern Campaigns is not widely known, the events of 1775-1782 in the Carolinas and Georgia directly led to an American victory in the war.
The Liberty Trail is a unified path of preservation and interpretation across South Carolina designed to tell this remarkable story. These important battlefields, still largely unspoiled, deserve to be preserved and remembered. That’s why the American Battlefield Trust has partnered with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust to accomplish these goals.
Each stop along the driving tour features unique on-site interpretation that connects visitors to the extraordinary events that came to pass nearly 250 years ago.
Our Valued Partners
The South Carolina Battleground Trust
The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation established in 1991 and dedicated to the preservation of South Carolina’s historic battlegrounds and military sites. Working with property owners, developers, and local/state agencies, the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has successfully preserved historic properties throughout South Carolina. The organization preserves South Carolina's military heritage employing a variety of tools from conservation easements and land acquisitions to high-tech ground-based laser scanning surveys and public interpretation with the goal of ensuring the state’s military heritage sites are not forgotten and there to study, discuss and reflect upon for future generations.
The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has partnered with the American Battlefield Trust to lead this historic effort to protect The Liberty Trail’s battlefields and bring them to life. Learn more about them at https://www.scbattlegroundtrust.org.
Lead Sponsor
The Liberty Trail would not be possible without the generosity of Lorna Hainesworth, Ambassador and National Traveler. Ms. Hainesworth has visited each and every stop on The Liberty Trail, and many places beyond. We are beyond grateful for her generosity.
Additional Thanks
The Liberty Trail would also not be possible without numerous valued partners at the federal, state and local levels.
- National Park Service
- South Carolina Department of Archives and History
- South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
- South Carolina State Parks
- South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions
- South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission
- Berkeley County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Charleston County Greenbelt Program
- Kershaw County
- Lancaster County
- Town of Heath Springs
- Town of Sullivan’s Island
- Department of the Navy
- Audubon South Carolina
- Beaufort County Open Land Trust
- Charleston County Public Library
- Charleston Museum
- Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society
- Clemson/College of Charleston Historic Preservation Program
- Colleton County Historical Society
- Historic Camden Foundation
- Katawba Valley Land Trust
- Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust
- Morris Center in Ridgeland
- Palmetto Conservation Foundation
- Preservation South Carolina
- Santee Cooper
- Spartanburg County Historical Association
- Sumter Guards
- Washington Light Infantry
Uncover History in South Carolina
We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse yourself
in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.
Explore South Carolina History
We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse yourself
in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.
Historic Site | Historic House
Charleston, SC
This historic house museum was the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Historic Site |
Gaffney, SC
With a rotating collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits, the Cherokee County Museum has something for all ages and interests.
Historic Site | Historic House
Charleston, SC
Visit Historic Drayton Hall — Tour the nation’s oldest preserved plantation house in America still open to the public. Explore Drayton Hall's 18th-century architecture, landscapes & the people who lived here.
Battlefield
Sullivan's Island, SC
Treacherous waters and Patriot fire foil a British attack on Charleston Harbor
Battlefield | State/County Park
Summerville, SC
An oyster-shell, “tabby,” fortress, originally constructed here during the French and Indian War, was restored, and occupied by both the British and Patriots.
Historic Site | Historic House
Clemson, SC
Built in 1716 for Paul de St. Julien in Berkeley County. The house was later dismantled and moved to Clemson University and functions as a house museum.
Battlefield | Historic Site
Camden, SC
A former British headquarters, explore the reconstructed Kershaw/Cornwallis House, British redoubts, and programs about colonial life.
Battlefield
Enoree, SC
British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton pushed up the Enoree River hot on the trail of Patriot Brigadier General Thomas Sumter.
Battlefield
Turbeville, SC
A surprise Patriot attack on Loyalist recruits is a blow to the British
Battlefield | Historic Site
Charleston, SC
As part of their Southern Campaign, the British set their sights on taking the vital port of Charleston.
Battlefield
Lancaster, SC
On May 29, 1780, British commander Banastre Tarleton engaged and overwhelmed a Patriot force under the command of Abraham Buford in a dreadful defeat for the Patriots.
Battlefield | Historic Site
Moncks Corner, SC
During the British occupation of Charleston in 1781, these grounds were part of a British outpost to supply ammunition and provisions to patrolling British troops.