Ninety Six in Greenwood County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

James Birmingham

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 5, 2008

1. James Birmingham Marker

Inscription. Sacred to the Memory
of
James Birmingham
Volunteer
Long Cane Militia
Killed at this Site
In the Battle of
November 19-24, 1775
The First South Carolinian
To Give His Life in the
Cause of Freedom
----------
Erected by
The American Legion
Star Fort Post 103
Ninety Six, South Carolina
November 19, 1975

Erected 1975 by American Legion, Star Fort Post 103.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is November 19, 1775.

Location. 34° 8.75′ N, 82° 1.39′ W. Marker is in Ninety Six, South Carolina, in Greenwood County. Marker can be reached from South Cambridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ninety Six SC 29666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Monument to James Birmingham (here, next to this marker); Logan Log House (within shouting distance of this marker); Walking Tour of the Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Militiamen (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Logan Log House (about 300 feet away); Ninety Six in the American Revolution

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away); The Siege of Ninety Six (about 400 feet away); Why Is It Called Ninety Six? (about 400 feet away); First Blood Shed for Liberty (about 400 feet away); Ninety Six National Historic Site (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ninety Six.

More about this marker. Marker is located on the grounds of Ninety Six National Historic Site.

Also see . . . Ninety Six National Historic Site. Here settlers struggled against the harsh backcountry to survive, Cherokee Indians hunted and fought to keep their land, two towns and a trading post were formed and abandoned to the elements, and two Revolutionary War battles that claimed over 100 lives took place here. (Submitted on September 9, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional commentary.
1. James Birmingham Memorial
Located near the entrance to the stockade fort this granite stone is surrounded by an iron fence. The stone was erected to honor James Birmingham, the first South Carolinian to lose

Original Battle of Ninety Six & James Birmingham Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 5, 2008

2. Original Battle of Ninety Six & James Birmingham Marker

The Battle of Ninety Six marker has been replaced by one entitled Monument to James Birmingham.

his life in the cause for freedom during the American Revolution. He was a member of the Long Cane Militia and suffered a fatal wound from a Loyalist musket ball. During one of archaeologist Stan South's early excavations in the 1970s, skeletal remains in a shallow grave were uncovered within the outlines of Williamson's Fort of 1775. The remains were photographed and removed to the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina for further examination. are the remains those of Birmingham? The mystery will remain until conclusive evidence proves his identity beyond a doubt. (Source: Old Ninety Six: A History and Guide by Robert M. Dunkerly and Eric Williams (2006), pg 73.)

— Submitted August 26, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Skeletal Remains Found Near the Stockade Fort Thought to by those of James Birmingham image. Click for full size.

Photographed By National Park Service, 1972

3. Skeletal Remains Found Near the Stockade Fort Thought to by those of James Birmingham

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,082 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on August 26, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.