illustration of a man from American Colonial era

The Liberty Trail History Makers

Join us in discovering the individuals who shaped the Revolutionary War along The Liberty Trail. 

States of Interest:
Biography

Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman from Massachusetts, became a celebrated poet, publishing a book in 1773, corresponding with prominent figures like George Washington, and demonstrating the literary...

Biography

More than a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Reverend John Witherspoon helped shape the Revolution through his preaching, political philosophy, and mentorship of future leaders like...

Biography

William Woodford (1734–1780) was a Virginia soldier who made his mark early in the Revolution, leading the 2nd Virginia Regiment to victory at Great Bridge. A seasoned fighter, he battled at...

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.
Battlefield | State/County Park
Stony Point, NY

Now a state park in New York, Stony Point once served as British defensive position along the Hudson River during the New York campaign. Thanks to cunning actions of "Mad" Anthony Wayne, British forces were swiftly pushed from their defenses.

Battlefield |
Virgnia Beach, VA

The Battle of the Capes occurred around the mouth of Chesapeake Bay in 1781. The naval battle occurred between the French and the British navies. Even though the battle lasted two hours, it played a significant role in the Siege of Yorktown's success, ultimately leading to the United States' independence.

Historic Site |
Clemson, SC

Nestled outside the traditional bounds of the South Carolina colony is the Presbyterian church where Andrew Pickens committed his time as an elder following the Revolution. In the adjacent cemetery lie the graves of several American soldiers who had fought by Pickens' side during the war.

Historic Site | Historic House
Georgetown, SC

Built circa 1740, Hopsewee Plantation was one of the South’s major rice plantations and the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Historic Site | Historic House
Bronx, NY

The Valentine–Varian House is a historic home located in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx. Site of skirmishes between British and American forces because of its commanding position over the Boston Post Road.

Historic Site |
Perth Amboy, NJ

The Royal Governor's Mansion of New Jersey is the only remaining proprietary governor's mansion of the original Thirteen Colonies still standing today. Built in the 1760s, it served as the residence gubernatorial residence of William Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's Loyalist son.

Historic Site | Gardens & Grounds
Mt Pleasant, SC

Boone Hall was influential in the history of South Carolina. Explore the house and grounds of this Colonial Plantation, as well as a live presentation of the Gullah Culture adapted by African slaves.

Battlefield
Camden, SC

Patriot Leader Nathanael Greene Is repulsed but not defeated in his campaign to chase the British from the South Carolina backcountry

Historic Site | State/County Park
Winston-Salem, NC

Once a thriving commercial hub, Bethabara was home to a Moravian settlement in Winston-Salem that witnessed the French and Indian War, the Regulator War, and the American Revolution.

Historic Site |
Vails Gate, NY

Historic headquarters of Major General Henry Knox during the winter of 1780-1781.

Battlefield | State/County Park
Millburn, NJ

Site of one of the last contested battles of the Revolution's northern theater that protected Washington's encampment at Morristown.

State/County Park |
Blacksburg, SC

The Piedmont’s Kings Mountain State Park has miles of forested trails perfect for supreme Kings Mountain hiking, two fishing lakes, and sits adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, one of many national park Revolutionary War sites.