The American Revolution may have started on the cobblestone streets of Boston and Philadelphia, but the battles in the wilderness of South Carolina played a pivotal role in the struggle. Using an innovative defense of three separate lines, American commander Daniel Morgan routed the British during an hour of fighting in Hannah’s Cowpens in January of 1781. The Continental Congress saw fit to hand out only 14 medals in the War of Independence, and three were bestowed for heroism in the Battle of Cowpens, including one for General Morgan.
Planning a visit? Stay at Pine Ridge Campground.
Kate Moore Barry, who lived 15 miles away on Walnut Grove Plantation in Roebuck, served as a scout for Morgan and is feted today as a heroine of the Revolution. Her renovated and preserved plantation home serves as a linchpin for Revolutionary War heritage tours of Spartanburg County along with the Cowpens National Battlefield, which is one of the rare intact fields of conflict left from the Revolution. On the first weekend in October, Walnut Grove crackles with Festifall as the 1765 homestead is transformed into a living colonial village by artisans and storytellers. The highlight of the festival is a re-enactment of the raid on the plantation by loyalist “Bloody” William Cunningham.
In addition to laying the groundwork for Roebuck heritage, the military is also responsible for the area’s prime recreational destination—Croft State Park. More than 250,000 U.S. Army infantry personnel trained in Camp Croft during World War II, creating the facilities that became 7,000 acres of rolling woodlands with fishing and boating on two lakes. Equestrians from nearby South Carolina horse country seek out the 20 miles of special horse trails and a show ring. Kayakers and canoeists can put into the Tyger River Blueway at Walnut Grove Road. Every spring, the Tame the Tyger River Race and Festival celebrates this 7.5-mile stretch of lively whitewater with music, food and river demonstrations.
The land around Roebuck for generations supported the vibrant textile industry in neighboring Spartanburg, where nearly 40 spinning mills operated into the early 20th century. Agritourism has replaced the mills as an economic engine for Spartanburg County, where roadside stands, pick-your-own fields and farmers’ markets abound. Keep a close eye out for peaches and boiled peanuts. And when you order the barbecue, don’t forget that the sauce of choice in South Carolina is mustard-based, not tomato or vinegar.
