Camden in Kershaw County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Rectory Square Park
Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023
1. Rectory Square Park Marker
Originally, Joseph Kershaw and his partners owned all of the land in this area. In keeping with Kershaw's efforts to draw people to Camden, he gave several lots to the community for public squares. This six acre park is one of those original town squares laid out on the 1798 map of Camden. Once known as Kershaw Park after the city's founder, Rectory Square Park was renamed in 1912 after the Episcopal Church built a rectory across the street from the park The park has always been a community gathering place. Many local events have found their home here, including an annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Grace Church Annual Dog Show. The park is also home to the Camden Community Concert Band's free concerts held throughout the year.
A focal point for the park is the six columned Pantheon dedicated to the six generals of the Confederacy who were born in Kershaw County. The community erected the Pantheon using funds collected by the school children of Camden. In 1911, they dedicated it to the "schoolboys" who became generals.
(captions)
James Cantey
James Chestnut
Zacharia Cantey Deas
John Doby Kennedy
Joseph Brevard Kershaw
John Bordenave Villepigue
Images courtesy of Camden Archives & Museum
Erected by City
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1798.
Location. 34° 15.376′ N, 80° 36.176′ W. Marker is in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. It can be reached from Rectory Square west of Fair Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 Rectory Square, Camden SC 29020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pantheon (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Mathis House
Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023
2. Rectory Square Park Marker
Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023
3. Rectory Square Park Marker
Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023
4. Rectory Square Park Marker
Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023
5. Rectory Square Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 916 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 16, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
