After the four of us + Papa and Yaya (my dad and stepmom) left Lake Greenwood State Park, we made the quick 15-minute drive over to Ninety Six NHS. I had been here years ago while geocaching, and I remember having been impressed at the site, so I was glad to return with the fam.
Ninety Six NHS commemorates a battle dating back to the Revolutionary War at the town of Ninety Six, perhaps being named as such by being 96 miles from Keowee, a Cherokee settlement up near the mountains. The museum at the Visitors Center as well as the interpretive signs help talk about the history of the town and the battle itself.
The battle pitted the Loyalists against the Patriots. The Loyalists (those who wanted to stay with Britain) were stationed in the Star Fort next to the town, and the Patriots, under General Nathanael Greene, attempted to dig trenches to take control. Ultimately, the Loyalist troops held strong after the 29-day siege
As we walked the path through the battle site, we traversed the zig-zagged trenches that the men had made. Along the way, we passed a log tower that had been built by Greene’s troops in order to have a high place to shoot from. The path eventually made its way to the fort, called Star Fort due to its shape.
As the path continued, we walked through the borders of the old Ninety Six town. What was noteworthy throughout this whole walk was how close everything was. The Patriots were in eyeshot of the Loyalists for weeks. Because of the status of technology in warfare, all that could be done was inch closer and closer to your target, moving at what would seem a snail’s pace today. Additionally, the fort itself was right outside the town. I can imagine those who were in the town looking right across the field where the troops were stationed and wondering what was going on.
The path crossed over the locations of some old roads that traversed the area, as well as another old fort. Finally, there was an 18th-century cabin that had been moved to the site for preservation. It was there that we showed Teagan and Sage what a pillory was.
We then headed back to the VC, Teagan got her Junior Ranger badge, then we headed back to Papa and Yaya’s house. It was a great visit, and I was happy to show this place to my dad and stepmom. Both of them had lived in the area for many years, but had never come. That’s why I’ve enjoyed visiting state and national parks…it offers an excuse to visit places that you might not have known about or had a reason to visit before. So get out there and get exploring!
Beavers in the Park 