Support Land Preservation
The cornerstone of The Liberty Trail is the preservation of hallowed battlegrounds. Through this initiative, over 700 acres of battlefield land at 10 battlefield sites across South Carolina have been permanently protected. Efforts are ongoing to expand preservation at many of these sites and to preserve land at additional Revolutionary War battlefields in the Palmetto State.
Current Preservation Effort
Even though Hobkirk Hill was a defeat for Patriot General Nathanael Greene, the battle did convince Lieutenant Colonel Francis Lord Rawdon to withdraw from Camden. This forever ended the British occupation of the interior of South Carolina. Casualties on both sides were about evenly matched, with the Americans suffering 270 casualties, and the British suffering 258. Though a victory for British forces, Greene ultimately succeeded in his campaign.
One of the parcels we are working to save at Hobkirk Hill was also the site of the Camden jail, which once held a historically significant occupant — a 14-year-old Andrew Jackson, who was held there as a prisoner of war. You likely know the story — one day, a British officer approached young Jackson and demanded the boy shine his boots. In an act of defiance that was a harbinger of behavior to come, Jackson refused, and the British officer slashed Jackson across the forehead with his sword, literally scarring him for life.
Stories like these, and so many more, are what connect us to our past.
Continue the charge to preserve and share American history
The hallowed ground on the battlefields we seek to save forged the spirit of our nation. They echo with the footsteps of heroes, and they hold the stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They are the heart and soul of our history.
Together with our partners and history enthusiasts like you, we can transform how the public experiences this incredible and formative piece of our history, helping present and future generations foster a deep appreciation of this unique American treasure.
Your support will make a difference! Help us raise the funds needed to secure a $10-to-$1 match! This is our moment to capture the imagination of the country and preserve the battlefields where our independence was won!
If you're interested in supporting our land preservation work at Revolutionary War battlefields in South Carolina and beyond, visit the American Battlefield Trust website to explore current opportunities.