Cayce in Lexington County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Congaree Creek Earthworks
Photographed by Mark St. Martin, July 10, 2023
1. Congaree Creek Earthworks Marker (side 1)
These earthworks were constructed in early 1865 and were the site of brisk fighting between the Union XV Corps and Confederate forces on Feb. 15, 1865. Approximately 750 enslaved and free African Americans who were impressed into Confederate service were responsible for building much of the defensive line, which ran from Congaree Creek to the Saluda Factory four miles north.
The Confederate Congress approved legislation authorized impressment of black laborers in March 1863 because slaveholders were reluctant to provide slaves for service. Still, labor shortages persisted. Maj. John R. Niernsee, S.C. Militia Chief Engineer, complained that he had to begin work at Congaree Creek with only 12 black workers and his request for 2,000 laborers was never met.
Erected 2015 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by S.C. Civil War Sesquicentennial Advisory Board and S.C. African Americans Heritage Commission. (Marker Number 32 40.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers
this page online
Location. 33° 56.327′ N, 81° 2.158′ W. Marker is in Cayce, South Carolina, in Lexington County. It can be reached from the intersection of Fort Congaree Trail and Clovis Pointe Way. Marker is located along the Timmerman Trail, 0.5 miles north of the Cayce Riverwalk, Phase 4 Access. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cayce SC 29033, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Greater Columbia Area. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Battle of Congaree Creek (approx. 1½ miles away); The "Columbiad" Cannon (approx. 2.2 miles away); Olympia Cemetery (approx. 2.3
Photographed by Mark St. Martin, July 10, 2023
2. Congaree Creek Earthworks Marker (side 2)
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fridays Ferry (was approx. 2.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Battle of Congaree Creek. Wikipedia (Submitted on August 1, 2023.)
Photographed by Mark St. Martin, July 10, 2023
3. Congaree Creek Earthworks Marker
Photographed by Mark St. Martin, July 10, 2023
4. Congaree Creek Earthworks Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2023, by Mark St. Martin of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This page has been viewed 877 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Mark St. Martin of Kalamazoo, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
