Ninety Six in Greenwood County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Siege Trenches
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 5, 2008
1. Siege Trenches Marker
On the night of May 22, Greene began constructing an assault position only 70 yards from Star Fort, hoping to overrun the fort quickly with a frontal attack. The Americans were driven away, however, by heavy cannon fire and an attack party from the fort led by Lieutenant John Honey which captured their tools.
Greene and his chief engineer, Lieutenant Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, then began digging siege trenches about 220 yards from the Star.
Construction of the American siegeworks required twenty-seven days and included approach tranches, parallels, and artillery batteries. These features were intended to allow Patriot troops, supported by cannon fire, to move close enough to the Star to make a successful assault.
The siege trenches you see from here are reconstructed outlines. The original trenches were dug according to procedures developed in Europe where siege warfare was common.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1781.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 34° 8.863′ N,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The British Fortifications (here, next to this marker); The Patriots Lay Siege to the Star Fort (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Patriots Lay Siege to the Star Fort (a few steps from this marker); Patriot Soldier (a few steps from this marker); The Patriot Force Arrives (a few steps from this marker); The Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Trader with Pack Horse (within shouting distance of this marker); Island Ford Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Approach Trench (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Parallel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ninety Six.
Also see . . .
1. Ninety Six National Historic Site. (Submitted on September 7, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Tadeusz Kościuszko. Andrzej Tadeusz Bonawentura Kościuszko (1746 – 1817) was a Polish, American, Belarusian and Lithuanian national hero and general. (Submitted on September 7, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 5, 2008
2. View of the Battlefield from the Observation Tower
The paved trail follow along the various stages of the siege trenches, leading to the rear entrance of Star Fort.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 987 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on September 10, 2008, by M. L. 'Mitch' Gambrell of Taylors, South Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
