Ninety Six National Historic Site

We found a unique Fort at the Ninety Six National Historic Site to visit while in Cross Hill, SC! Not that we've visited any other forts on this trip....! This one IS special! The unusual name, Ninety Six, was given by early traders to the village in the 1700's because they mistakenly believed it was the estimated number of miles to the Cherokee village of Keowee in the upper South Carolina foothills. We drove over to it from Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort Tuesday, May 22.


By the mid 1700's, European colonists found it a favorable place to settle. During Ninety Six's early days, troubles with local Indians increase. In 1760, Cherokees twice attacked Fort Ninety Si, built for the settlers' protection. By the early 1700's, Ninety Six village reached its peak with a growing population, 12 houses and a newly constructed courthouse and jail.


Ninety Six also figured prominently in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution The first land battle south of New England was fought here in 1775, and in 1780, the British fortified the strategically important frontier town.  From May 22 through June 18, 1781, Major General Nathanael Greene (who we "met" in Savannah) with 1,000 patriot troops stage the longest siege of the Revolutionary War against 550 loyalists who were defending Ninety Six at Star Fort (built like a star with 8 points) .


We walked these paths, excited to be on grounds sharing such history. We both have been to Bunker Hill in Boston... Here we walked in similar footsteps!

Island Ford Road, Colonial Road where General Greene's Continental Army traveled


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The paved one mile walking tour of the park was well marked with lots of rich information. The Visitor Center has information, maps, a museum, bookstore and a short video. Check out their web site above for more information! We found a geocache just before the park, Ninety Six #4, completing our day! By the time we finished the walking tour, the dogs were hot, and glad to get a drink and rest in the jeep!


We collect hat pins of places we've visited and "post" them on a cork board in the motor home. Cuts down on weight (tee hee!) and gives a visual picture of where we have been! Care to guess how many pins from forts we have this trip?

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