Monday, January 31, 2011

Ninety Six



Ninety Six National Historic Site, South Carolina

Star Fort is one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War earthworks in the nation. The eight-pointed fort was erected by slaves under the direction of British soldiers (Loyalists) to defend the town of Ninety Six against an attack by the revolutionaries (Patriots).

The interpretive trail follows the trenches dug by the Patriots leading up to the fort.

Patriot artillery aimed toward the fort.

High fort walls, now eroded, built over 240 years ago.

Original site of the town of Ninety Six, only ghosts there now.


From May 22 - June 18, 1781, Continental Army Major General Nathanael Greene led 1,000 troops in a siege against the 550 Loyalists in the village. The 28-day siege, the longest of the entire war, centered on an earthen fortification known as Star Fort. Despite having more troops, Greene's patriots were eventually unsuccessful in taking the town.


An unexpected find here in rural South Carolina, a nice walk and history lesson on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

More pictures here:
Ninety Six Historic Site




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