Historic 96
(1781)
The Battle of
Historic 96 was important because it signal the end to the British domination
in the Carolina frontier.
The town of 96 was a backwoods town along an Indian path, which received its name for the distance it was from the coast. A star fort on its outskirts guarded the town proper, and the British and Americans learned of the value of holding this steady position on the Carolina frontier.
The American forces there in 1775 under Major Andrew Williamson successfully
defended the town although outnumbered 3 to 1. Furthermore 96 acts as a
stepping stone to rout all loyalist activities in the area. This South Carolina
town had reverted back and forth between Rebel and British hands. Finally, in
1781 it remained in the exclusive hands of the British, when American Forces
under the frontiersman Nathaniel Greene lays siege to the town, with a series
of trenches and a rifle tower.
On June 19th, Nathaniel Greene is forced to give up his long-term siege,
upon learning that a superior force under Lord Rawdon is making his way to the
town of 96 to relieve the British defenders.
Then a week alter on the 29th of June, the British, after sustaining Greens'
incessant attacks from the previous months, decide that 96 is unattainable, and
evacuate the town. This leaves the town firmly in the hands of the Patriot
forces and frees the frontier of British incursion.
(Various Artifacts from the Museum at Historic 96 NMP, South Carolina)
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