Historical Markers and War Memorials in Lancaster County, South Carolina
Lancaster is the county seat for Lancaster County
Adjacent to Lancaster County, South Carolina
Chester County(43) ► Chesterfield County(19) ► Fairfield County(35) ► Kershaw County(115) ► York County(156) ► Mecklenburg County, North Carolina(205) ► Union County, North Carolina(28) ►
Touch name on this list to highlight map location. Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
Near Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) 0.2 miles south of Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling south.
The Story of the Waxhaws Immediately after the engagement, reports spread that many were stabbed and killed as they tried to surrender. Many were taken to a local Presbyterian church where local residents cared for them, including a young Andrew . . . — — Map (db m95555) HM
On Rocky River Road, 0.1 miles south of Pageland Highway, on the right when traveling south.
[Front]
In order that all may continue to share the sentiments of that group of patriotic citizens of Lancaster County who erected a monument here on June 2, 1860 the inscriptions of this memorial are the same as those on the original . . . — — Map (db m23888) HM
On Pageland Highway (State Highway 9) at Rocky River Road (State Highway 522), on the right when traveling east on Pageland Highway.
Col. Buford's 11th Virginia Regiment and a detachment of Washington's Cavalry, retreating after the fall of Charles Town, were attacked by Col. Tarelton, May 29, 1780, at the site of the monument 955 feet southwest. The American loss was 113 killed, . . . — — Map (db m44911) HM
Near Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) 0.2 miles south of Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling south.
Tarleton's Ploy After leaving General Cornwallis' army on May 27, Tarleton drove his men and horses relentlessly, covering 105 miles in 54 hours. He sent a messenger ahead with a surrender demand. Colonel Buford refused. Tarleton's ploy delayed . . . — — Map (db m95554) HM
On Rocky River Road, 0.2 miles south of Pageland Highway, on the right when traveling south.
On this site, Col. Abraham Buford's force of about 350 American patriots, while returning to Hillsborough, N.C., following the fall of Charles Town, were overtaken by British troops commanded by Col. Banastre Tarelton, it is historically told that . . . — — Map (db m23890) HM
Near Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) 0.2 miles south of Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling south.
A Declaration After years of tension over taxation and trade, the America colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. The British Government was determined not to let the colonies go without a fight. The Fight for . . . — — Map (db m95553) HM
On Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) at Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the left when traveling south on Rocky River Road.
Obelisk
The mass grave located within the ring of white stones contains the bodies of 84 Continentals who were buried where they fell on May 29, 1780. The presence of these Patriots who made the ultimate
sacrifice for our freedoms makes . . . — — Map (db m232346) HM
On Harrisburg Road (State Highway 29-64) 0.1 miles south of Hidden Creek Court, on the right when traveling north.
[Marker Front]:
The Revolution in the Backcountry
After British forces took Charleston in May 1780, they set up outposts in the backcountry and attempted to control the state by encouraging Loyalists. Backcountry Patriots organized a . . . — — Map (db m23786) HM
On Great Falls Highway (State Highway 200) 0.2 miles north of Green Road, on the right when traveling north.
[Front]:
This church, organized in 1798 by Bishop Francis Asbury, held its first services in a log meeting house. On July 10, 1798, Middleton McDonald donated the meeting house and ten acres to church trustees Gideon Glaze, John Graham, . . . — — Map (db m23916) HM
On Spring Street (U.S. 521) at South Main Street (South Carolina Route 15), on the left when traveling west on Spring Street.
About 2.5 miles south is Hanging Rock, where Maj. Davie surprised a British force, Aug. 1, 1780, and killed or wounded most of them. There also, Aug. 6, 1780, Col. Hill, Col. Irwin, and Maj. Davie, all under Gen. Sumter, successfully attacked the . . . — — Map (db m235383) HM
On U.S. 521 at New Hope Road, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 521.
About 1¾ miles west of this spot stood the house in which Dr. James Marion Sims was born on January 25, 1813. Father of modern gynecology, Dr. Sims was honored by the American and by European governments for his service to suffering women, empress . . . — — Map (db m23891) HM
On New Hope Road, on the right when traveling west.
James Marion Sims, World Famed Physician, father of modern gynaecol'ogy, a blessing and a benefactor to women, was born in the farm house of his parents near this site January 25, 1813.
Doctor to empress and slave alike, founder of Women’s . . . — — Map (db m51638) HM
On Flat Rock Road at Hanging Rock Road, on the left when traveling south on Flat Rock Road.
While on his Southern tour, President George Washington spent the night of May 26, 1791, at the James Ingram house, near here. According to Washington's diary, he left Ingram's at four o'clock the next morning and continued his journey northward, . . . — — Map (db m23892) HM
On Mt Carmel Road, 0.2 miles south of Bayspring Road, on the right when traveling south.
(side 1)
According to local tradition, this African Methodist Episcopal Zion Campground was established c.1870. Instrumental in organizing the campground was former slave Isom Caleb Clinton, who was ordained Bishop of the church in 1892. . . . — — Map (db m235432) HM
Near Hanging Rock Road (State Highway 29-467) 0.8 miles east of Flat Rock Road, on the right when traveling east.
Here was fought the Battle of the Hanging Rock August 6, 1780. About 600 Militia of the Carolinas under Colonel Thomas Sumter destroyed the British Camp and killed and wounded over 200 of the British Troops under Major John Carden with a loss of . . . — — Map (db m235386) HM
Near State Road S-29-22, 0.3 miles north of Aycoth Road, on the left when traveling north.
This cemetery was established in the late 1770's the first recorded
burial was Col. William Hagins in 1790. Its affiliated church was
known then as Six Mile Spring Presbyterian Church which burned
sometime between 1802 and 1804.
The cemetery . . . — — Map (db m234722) HM
On Henry Harris Road (State Road S-29-22) 0.3 miles north of Aycoth Road, on the left when traveling north.
(front)
Congregants of Six Mile Spring Presbyterian Church, later known as Six Mile Creek Church, established this cemetery c. 1790. The original church's exact location is unknown, but it is said to have burned down c. 1804. By 1835, the . . . — — Map (db m232080) HM
Near State Road S-29-22, 0.3 miles north of Aycoth Road, on the left when traveling north.
In remembrance of the women who
took up arms in the American
Revolution and provided support
as scouts, spies, nurses,
seamstresses, and cooks. — — Map (db m234723) HM
On Flat Rock Road at Kershaw Country Club Road, on the right when traveling north on Flat Rock Road.
American forces under Major William R. Davie had captured a British convoy July 21, 1780, and were retreating with prisoners mounted two to the horse when ambushed by British several miles west of here on Beaver Creek. Nearly all the British . . . — — Map (db m23913) HM
On Gold Mine Highway (U.S. 601) 0.2 miles south of Snowy Owl Road, on the right when traveling north.
(Front)
In 1827 Benjamin Haile (1768-1842) found gold here while panning in the streams on his plantation. After he found gold ore as well, Haile set up a mining operation. By 1837 the Haile Gold Mine included a 5-stamp mill, with steel . . . — — Map (db m232086) HM
On North Hampton Street at North Matson Street, on the right when traveling south on North Hampton Street.
Marker Front:
Kershaw, originally Welsh’s Station, was founded in 1888 when Capt. James V. Welsh (1845-1906) persuaded the Charleston, Cincinnati, & Chicago Railroad to build a depot halfway between Camden and Lancaster, on what was then . . . — — Map (db m23894) HM
On South Cleveland Street, 0.1 miles south of West Marion Street, on the right when traveling south.
This building, originally just south of Kershaw on what is now U.S. Hwy. 521, was built in 1900 for Capt. James V. Welsh (1845-1906) as the office for J.V. Welsh & Sons, a lumber mill. It later housed Kershaw’s first circulating library, founded by . . . — — Map (db m23896) HM
On West Marion Street at North Cleveland Street, on the right on West Marion Street.
Welsh's Station
Welsh’s Station, a depot on the Charleston, Cincinnati, & Chicago Railroad built in 1888, stood at or near this site. The town of Kershaw was first named for Capt. James V. Welsh, who donated 63 acres on which to establish a . . . — — Map (db m23895) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at Old Charlotte Road, on the left when traveling south on Charlotte Highway.
On the morning of May 27, 1791, President George Washington had breakfast near here at Nathan Barr's Tavern, which was located about a mile and a half north of the present Lancaster Courthouse. According to local tradition, Washington paid for . . . — — Map (db m23794) HM
Near Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) 0.1 miles south of Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling south.
(South Face of Monument)
Erected to the memory and in honor of the brave and patriotic American soldiers who fell in the battle which occurred at this place on the 29th May 1780 between Col. Abraham Buford who commanded a regiment of 350 . . . — — Map (db m71576) HM WM
On Clinton School Road at East Barr Street, on the right when traveling north on Clinton School Road.
[Marker Front]:
More than 300 members of Lancaster's black community are buried here, with the first grave dating to 1864. Originally the Clinton family cemetery, it was donated to Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in 1960 by Dr. John J. Clinton . . . — — Map (db m23835) HM
On Craig Farm Road, on the left when traveling north.
Scotchmen John Craig, Esq. emigrated with his family from Northern Ireland to the Waxhaws in 1772 and began Craig Farm in 1773. John Craig, Jr. gave the land for Shiloh A.R. Presbyterian Church in 1821. Craig House was built by Nathaniel Craig . . . — — Map (db m94997) HM
On Old Hickory Road, 0.2 miles south of Waxhaw Village Road, on the left when traveling south.
[West Side]
Erected to the memory of Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson. Mother of Andrew Jackson seventh President of the United States.
[South Side]
It was her zeal for accomplishment that made handicaps seem to resolve . . . — — Map (db m23792) HM
On West Dunlap Street, 0.1 miles west of South French Street, on the right when traveling west.
Franklin Academy
Organized in 1825, was the most widely-known of the four schools that occupied this site. Henry Connelly was its first principal. J. Marion Sims who later achieved world fame as a surgeon was one of its pupils. The building of . . . — — Map (db m23836) HM
On Craig Farm Road at Montgomery Road, on the right when traveling north on Craig Farm Road.
This late Federal-style house blending elements of the Greek-revival style with Victorian-era modifications was built by local dentist Joseph Lee between 1826 and 1834. Thought to be the oldest residence in the town of Lancaster, Kilburnie was . . . — — Map (db m23795) HM
On South Main Street at West Arch Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street.
[Marker Front]:
Lancaster, founded in 1798, was first called Lancaster Court House and later known as Lancasterville. The seat of Lancaster District from 1800 to 1868, it has been the seat of Lancaster County since then. The town and . . . — — Map (db m23840) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 521) 0.2 miles north of Brooklyn Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
[Front]:
The Lancaster & Chester Railway, founded in 1896, was originally the Cheraw & Chester Railroad, chartered in 1873. The C&C, which never finished its route, was sold to Col. Leroy Springs (1861-1931) for $25,000 and renamed the . . . — — Map (db m23841) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 521) at West Dunlap Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street.
[East Side]
1861-1865
Worthy, the Confederate soldier to be hallowed and held in tender remembrance Worthy, the fadeless fame which Lancaster's soldiers won in defending the honor of the South, the rights of the States, the liberties . . . — — Map (db m23832) HM
On East Dunlap Street at Nort Catawba Street, on the right when traveling west on East Dunlap Street.
Dedicated to the officers of this county who gave their lives in the line of duty * B. Frank Sowell Lancaster Police 1937 * Walter T. Bell Highway Patrol 1939 * Curtis J Pope Constable 1943 * Coleman B. McAteer Constable 1947 * Roy D Hardin . . . — — Map (db m49360) HM
On East Barr Street at Clinton Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East Barr Street.
[Marker Front]:
Located on this site, Lancaster Normal and Industrial Institute for black students was incorporated in 1905; M. D. Lee was president and J. G. McIlwain chairman of the board. By 1912, the school was offering both elementary . . . — — Map (db m23834) HM
On West Gay Street, 0.1 miles west of South French Street, on the left when traveling west.
This congregation was organized May 5, 1835. Its first minister was James H. Thornwell, who later headed SC College in Columbia. The Gothic Revival building was dedicated 1862 and entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The . . . — — Map (db m23837) HM
On West Gay Street at South Catawba Street, on the right when traveling east on West Gay Street.
The original part of this house was built by Robert W. Gill soon after he purchased the lot in 1828. About thirty years later, it was enlarged by Samuel B. Massey. Local textile manufacturer and banker Col. Leroy Springs remodeled the house . . . — — Map (db m23839) HM
Near Rocky River Road (State Highway 522) 0.1 miles south of Pageland Highway (State Highway 9), on the right when traveling south.
Early Memorialization
In the decades after the Revolution, the woodland surrounding the battlefield was gradually converted to farm fields and pasture. In 1845, James A. Witherspoon led an effort to raise money for a grave monument and . . . — — Map (db m71573) HM
On South Main Street at West Dunlap Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street.
The Courthouse Lancaster County
Built in 1825-1828. Designed by Robert Mills of Charleston, South Carolina, America's first native born, professionally trained architect, State Civil and Military Engineer and designer of the Washington . . . — — Map (db m233044) HM
On West Gay Street east of South French Street, on the left when traveling east.
(front)
The Jail
This is the "gaol" that Willis W. Alsobrook contracted to build for Lancaster District "…agreeable to the plans and specifications signed by Robert Mills…." In 1868 Lancaster District became Lancaster County . . . — — Map (db m232463) HM
On South Main Street (U.S. 521), on the right when traveling north.
Built by Colonel Leroy Springs in 1905 of red brick stretcher and common bond brick, this block has housed many of Lancaster's leading businesses. In 1936, fire destroyed the southern end of the block which included the Hotel Royale and Lancaster . . . — — Map (db m95066) HM
On South Main Street at East Dunlap Street on South Main Street.
Honoring
Thomas H. Davis
Site where his forty year selection, (1880), of okra led to the nationally known variety of "Clemson Spineless Okra" 1939 — — Map (db m49358) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at West North Corner Road, on the right when traveling south on Charlotte Highway.
About 3 miles W. is Waxhaw Presbyterian Church, organized 1755, first church in upper South Carolina. President Andrew Jackson, born nearby, was baptized there. His father lies in the churchyard with other early settlers of the Waxhaws and many . . . — — Map (db m23790) HM
On Old Hickory Road, 0.2 miles south of Waxhaw Village Road, on the left when traveling south.
[Marker Front]
The first church in upper So. Car. This 4½ acre tract was deeded to the congregation by Robert Miller school teacher and minister, Mar.9, 1758. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Richardson, 1759-1771. The earliest . . . — — Map (db m121920) HM
On Old Jefferson Highway at Victory Road, on the right when traveling east on Old Jefferson Highway.
This church, organized July 4, 1776 by Rev. George Pope, a native of Virginia, held its first meetings in a brush arbor on this site and was known as the Upper Fork of Lynches Creek until it was renamed Flat Creek Baptist Church in 1881. The first . . . — — Map (db m23911) HM
On Twitty Mill Road at 522, on the right when traveling west on Twitty Mill Road.
Originally called Russell Place for the Irish immigrant William Russell who settled near here on a branch of Beaver Creek in 1768. General William Tecumseh Sherman passed through Russell Place in 1865 on his way to North Carolina. In 1871 James . . . — — Map (db m51641) HM
On Andrew Jackson Park Road at Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521), on the right when traveling north on Andrew Jackson Park Road.
Andrew Jackson, 7th president of the United States, grew up on this site during the American Revolution.
His Scotch-Irish Presbyterian upbringing in this Waxhaws backcountry settlement helped shape his character, his military success and his . . . — — Map (db m95423) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at Old Church Road, on the right when traveling north on Charlotte Highway.
Seventh President of the United States. Near this site on South Carolina soil Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, at the plantation whereon James Crawford lived and where Jackson himself said he was born. — — Map (db m24035) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at Andrew Jackson State Park Road, on the right when traveling north on Charlotte Highway.
Seventh President of the United States. Near this site on South Carolina soil Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, at the plantation whereon James Crawford lived and where Jackson himself said he was born. — — Map (db m230093) HM
On Andrew Jackson State Park Road, 0.4 miles east of Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521).
[Carving Side]
"I was born in So Carolina, as I have been told, at the plantation whereon James Crawford lived about one mile from the Carolina Road X of the Waxhaw Creek" Andrew Jackson to J.H. Witherspoon, August 11, 1824.
Jackson . . . — — Map (db m23781) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at East North Corner Road, on the left when traveling south on Charlotte Highway.
One of the last refinements in the N.C.-S.C. boundary was marked with a stone inscribed "1813" and located about ½ mile SE of here. This adjustment was made because of uncertainty in location of the Salisbury Road which had served as . . . — — Map (db m23789) HM
On Andrew Jackson State Park Road, 0.5 miles east of U.S. 521.
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians called their worship places Meeting Houses to emphasize that the structure is a building and that the church is the body of believers. The community came to the Meeting House not only to worship, but also for recreation, . . . — — Map (db m23768) HM
On Andrew Jackson State Park Road, 0.5 miles east of U.S. 521.
Andrew Jackson, champion of the common, is a larger-than-life hero. He has been memorialized throughout American history. The idea of commemorating Jackson with a statue in the land of his birth was conceived by Perry Belle Hough of the Lancaster . . . — — Map (db m23775) HM
On Rock Hill Highway (State Highway 5) at West Rebound Road (State Highway 75), on the left when traveling east on Rock Hill Highway.
On the Catawba Path near here King Hagler, Chief of the Catawba Nation (1750-1763), was slain on August 30, 1763, by a raiding band of northern Indian braves as he journeyed from the Waxhaws Settlement on Cane Creek to a Catawba town on Twelve Mile . . . — — Map (db m23761) HM
On Rock Hill Highway (State Highway 5) 0.1 miles west of Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521), on the right when traveling east.
Near this site was the home of Major Robert Crawford, where President George Washington spent his last night in South Carolina on his Southern tour, May 27, 1791. Here Washington was met by a delegation of the Chiefs of the Catawba Nation, who set . . . — — Map (db m23763) HM
On Andrew Jackson State Park Road, 0.3 miles east of U.S. 521.
When Andrew Jackson was a boy, he attended log-cabin schools much like this replica.
In this backcountry region of devout, hard working Scotch-Irish immigrants, most children learned enough at local "common" schools to read the Bible and run . . . — — Map (db m23771) HM
On Charlotte Highway (U.S. 521) at West Rebound Road, on the left when traveling north on Charlotte Highway.
(front)
Governor of South Carolina from 1828 until 1830, Miller was born near here May 8, 1787, the son of Charles and Margaret White Miller. He served in the US House of Representatives (1822-1828), and US Senate (1831-1833). He . . . — — Map (db m23785) HM
On Andrew Jackson State Park Road, 0.4 miles east of U.S. 521.
This statue of the young Andrew Jackson is a gift to the children of South Carolina by the sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Children of the elementary schools throughout the state contributed their nickel and dimes for the base.
"We, the . . . — — Map (db m23779) HM
Andrew Jackson State Park honors the memory of the seventh president of the United States, who spent his boyhood here in the Waxhaws area. A museum tells the story of Jackson's experiences and life in the South Carolina backcountry from his birth . . . — — Map (db m95428) HM
This 360-acre park was established to honor the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson.
The museum tells the story of Jackson's boyhood experiences during the Revolutionary War and highlights life in the South Carolina . . . — — Map (db m95425) HM
