Camden in Kershaw County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hampton Park
In the 1800s, the park was a community gathering place where the public purchased ice cream treats in the afternoons and enjoyed the shady dirt paths that wound throughout the park. The park also hosted political events, including a visit by future S. C. governor and senator Wade Hampton, III during the election of 1876. After his visit, the park became known as Hampton Square or Hampton Grove.
Hampton Park is filled with flowering trees and shrubs. A row of heritage crepe myrtles borders DeKalb Street. The Camden Garden Club erected the Blue Star Memorial marker, also on DeKalb, and planted numerous shrubs within the park.
A signature feature is the horse watering fountain. A gift from the National Humane Alliance of New York in 1910, the fountain originally stood at the intersection of Broad and DeKalb Streets. In 1911, the city relocated the fountain here and dedicated it to Confederate Army Sgt. Richard Kirkland.
Kirkland, the Angel of Marye's Heights, was a member of the 2nd S. C. Regiment duringthe Civil War. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, Kirkland's unit was stationed behind a stone wall at Marye's Heights. After the first day of battle, thousands of injured and dying Federal and Confederate troops lay in front of the wall. For hours, their cries for water filled the air. Kirkland gathered canteens, blankets, and warm clothing and left the safety of the wall to provide comfort to the wounded soldiers. Neither side fired a shot while Kirkland ministered to the fallen. Although some dispute the account, Kirkland's compassion has become legendary.
Erected by City of Camden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil.
Location. 34° 14.836′ N, 80° 36.118′ W. Marker is in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Dekalb Street and Lyttleton Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Hampton Park, Camden SC 29020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Richard Kirkland (here, next to this marker); Camden (within shouting distance of this marker); The De Kalb Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 0.3 miles away); E.H. Dibble Store / Eugene H. Dibble (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lafayette Hall and Lafayette Cedar (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Bishop Davis House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camden.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Yvonne Vaughn of Elgin, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Yvonne Vaughn of Elgin, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.