Camden in Kershaw County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The First Town Square

Photographed By Yvonne Vaughn, April 16, 2023

1. The First Town Square Marker

Inscription. Originally known as Pine Tree Hill, Joseph Kershaw modeled his town plan on that of Philadelphia.Kershaw's plan incorporated wide streets, open public squares, and open land for future use. The earliest plan of Camden, drawn before 1774, shows a 486 square foot public space in the very cente of town. This was our first Town Square.

The square was used for many public gatherings. Militia musters, political rallies, and public ceremonies were all held in this space. Perhaps the most well recorded event was President George Washington's visit during his 1791 tour of the South.

President Washington addressed the citizens in this square. The next day, President Washington visited the grave of Baron DeKalb, viewed the remains of the British occupation of Camden, and toured both of Camden's Revolutionary War battlefields.

Erected by City of Camden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.

Location. 34° 14.201′ N, 80° 36.358′ W. Marker is in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. Marker is at the intersection of Braod Street (U.S. 521) and Bull Street, on the right when traveling north on Braod Street. Located north of the Camden City Arena. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 Broad Street, 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. Colonel Joseph Kershaw's Tomb (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Camden Courthouse and Gaol (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Robert Mills Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Jail and Town Market (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gaol (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Common (approx. 0.2 miles away); Women in the Revolution (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Southern Campaign, Dec 1778 - Aug 1780 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camden.

Photographed By Yvonne Vaughn, April 16, 2023

2. The First Town Square Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2023, by Yvonne Vaughn of Elgin, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2023, by Yvonne Vaughn of Elgin, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.