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:
(803) 432-9841; Fax (803) 432-3815; e-mail: Historic
Camden
Last updated November 02, 2007
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: Open to the public daily except major holidays.
Monday (lower ground buildings and shop only): 10:00 - 5:00 pm;
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm.
•Free Admission: lower grounds buildings, ticket office/gift shop, nature trail and picnic area
TOURS:
•Free Self-guided Tour: Daily (except major holidays). Site Tour
Map/brochure available.
•Guided Tours: Tuesday-Friday: 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm;
Saturday: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday: 1:30 - 4:00 pm.
•Guided Tour Fees:
Full Tour: Adults/$5, Seniors/$4, ages 6-18/$3, under six free
Kershaw-Cornwallis House: Adults & Seniors/$3.50; ages 6-18/$1,
under six free
Slide Show: Adults & Seniors/$2; ages 6-18/$1, under six free
•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: See Rental website page. Call for an appointment.
INFORMATION: P.O. Box 710, Camden, SC 29020 • (803) 432-9841
e-mail: Historic Camden: