Ninety Six National Historic Site

A Brief History of Ninety Six National Historic Site

The Ninety Six National Historic Site is an area of unique historical and archaeological significance. In the late 1700s traders gave the town its unusual name because they mistakenly believed this was the estimated number of miles to the Cherokee village of Keowee in the upper South Carolina foothills.

By the mid-1700s European colonists found the town a favorable place to settle in spite of increasing troubles with local Indians. In 1760 Cherokees twice attacked Fort Ninety Six, built for the settlers' protection. Located at the crossroads of twelve roads and paths, Ninety Six village reached its peak in the 1770s. This important backcountry town boasted a growing population. 12 houses, taverns, shops, and a newly constructed courthouse and jail.

Ninety Six also figured prominently in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The first land battle south of New England was fought here in 1775, and in 1780 the British fortified this strategically important frontier town. From May 22-June 18, 1871, Major General Nathanael Greene, with 1,000 patriot troops, staged the longest siege of the Revolutionary War against 550 British loyalists who were defending Ninety Six. The earthen Star Fort remains as a well-preserved example of an original 18th century fortification.

Park Information

The park is located on Highway 248, two miles south of the town of Ninety Six. The visitor center features a museum with dozens of artifacts and exhibits. A 10-minute orientation video is available upon request. Books and souvenirs may be purchased at the gift shop. A one-mile walking trail allows visitors to explore historic roadbeds, reconstructed siegeworks, the original Star Fort, the reconstructed Stockade Fort, and much more. The site covers just over 989 acres. Because of its importance to the founding of our nation, Ninety Six National Historic Site became part of the National Park Service in 1976.

Revolutionary War Encampment

Throughout the year, Ninety Six National Historic Site offers a variety of educational programming including reenactments from the Revolutionary era.

The Star Fort

The fort was constructed with slave labor under the direction of British engineers in 1780. It was constructed according to 18th century standards for earthen fortifications of that type. Being the strongest part of the British fortifications at Ninety Six, it successfully underwent a 28-day siege by the American Patriot army under the command of Major General Nathanael Greene. It stands today as one of the best preserved British fortifications from the Revolutionary War.

The Siege of Ninety Six

Artist Robert Wilson created this depiction of the crescendo of the 28-day siege when, at noon on June 18, 1781, fifty American Patriots stormed the wall of the Star Fort. It captures the intensity of the struggle from the perspective of both sides.

Greenwood County

A Richly Diverse and Historical County

Known today for its diverse business economy, Greenwood County has a rich historical heritage. Visit the Ninety Six Historic Site and relive the experience of the Revolutionary War. If you are a gardener or just love flowers, a stop at the nationally known Park Seed Company is an unforgettable experience. For an outdoor experience, visit the Saluda River rapids at Pitts Park adjacent to the historic mill village of Ware Shoals or the CCC era Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area on Lake Greenwood.

Park Seed Company

Located a short distance from downtown Greenwood, this is the largest mail-order seed company in the world. The gardens are open to the public.

Pitts Park

Located on the banks of the Saluda River in Ware Shoals, this park interprets the natural history of the river and the town's past.

Emerald Farms

Visitors can get close to the goats and shop in the gift store for a variety of goat milk products and other related items.

Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area

Developed as a Civilian Conservation Corps project in the 1930s, the park offers camping, picnic facilities, and the Drummond Center.

Cokesbury College

This antebellum school for girls was founded as the Masonic Female Academy. The town of Cokesbury is located near Greenwood.

The Museum

This museum, located in downtown Greenwood, features cultural and natural history collections of the area and from around the world.

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce

Located in the heart of Greenwood, the Chamber provides visitors with tourist information and the opportunity to view its unique "Cotton to Genes" exhibit.

Marker is at the intersection of South Cambridge Street (South Carolina Route 248) and County Route 225 on South Cambridge Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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