The Kershaw-Cornwallis House was originally built in 1777. It was reconstructed in 1977.
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is located in Camden, SC,
oldest existing inland town in the state. It is located 1.4 miles
from Exit 98/I-20 on US Highway 521 North heading towards Camden.
Contact us:
Conditions in Camden, SC
Click
icon for full forecast or to select your city
Last updated December 04, 2008
THE HISTORY
Camden, the oldest existing inland town in the state, was part of a
township plan ordered by King George II in 1730. The frontier settlement,
initially named Fredericksburg Township (later Pine Tree Hill), took hold by the
1750s, as Quakers and Scots-Irish emigrants and settlers from Virginia put down
roots.
Joseph Kershaw, a native of Yorkshire, England, arrived in 1758 and
established a store for a Charleston mercantile firm. He prospered and by 1768
the town was the inland trade center in the colony. At his suggestion,
the town became Camden, in honor of Lord Camden, champion of colonial rights.
In May of 1780 the American Revolution returned to Charleston. It fell.
Lord Charles Cornwallis and 2,500 British troops immediately marched to Camden
and set up the main British supply post for the Southern Campaign. For eleven
months the citizens of Camden understood the atrocities of war.
Two battles were fought near by. The Battle of Camden, the worst American
battle defeat of the Revolution, was fought on August 16, 1780 nine miles north
of our museum. Nearby, General Nathanael Greene and approximately 1,400
Americans engaged 950 British soldiers commanded by Lord Francis Rawdon on April
25, 1781. It was a costly British win and forced the Redcoats to evacuate
Camden.
THE MUSEUM
Spend a few peaceful hours where the British spent a rough year! Visitors
may choose a guided or self-guided tour to learn about Camden's early history,
with focus on the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The 107-acre outdoor museum
complex includes the town site of 18th century Camden, the restored and
furnished 1785 John Craven House, Cunningham House circa 1830 (tour office and
gift shop), two early 19th century logs cabins with exhibits, partially restored
1795 McCaa House, reconstructions of some of the military fortifications, the
reconstructed and furnished Joseph Kershaw mansion, headquarters for Lord
Cornwallis, a blacksmith exhibit and a .6-mile Nature Trail. Those wishing to
stretch their legs will enjoy the Old Camden Trace, a 3.5 mile walk through
Historic Camden, the Nature Trail, the 1758 Quaker Cemetery and numerous other
landmarks of early Camden. Historic Camden is an affiliated area of the National
Park Service.
MUSEUM HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday:
•Self-guided
Tour (free): Daily (except major holidays). Free Site Tour
Map/brochure available.
•Guided Tours: Tues.-Fri. at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm; Saturday:
10:30 am to noon and 1:30- 4:00 pm (closed for lunch Saturday 12:25-1:25 pm);
Sunday: 2:30-4:00 pm.
•Guided Tour Fees: Adults/$5, Seniors/$4, ages 6-18/$3, under
six free
Orientation Film: 16 minutes; complimentary
•Group Tour Rate: 10% discount for 15 or more
•Step-on Guide Service: available for bus tours of the area’s
historic districts.
•Kershaw House & Site Rentals: Call (803) 432-9841 for an appointment.
INFORMATION: P.O. Box 710, Camden, SC
29021 •
Historic Camden