Historic battlefields acquired

By Doug Bostick

In December 2021, the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, a land trust specializing in the preservation of historic battlefields, acquired a 1.72-acre property in the core of the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill (also Hobkirk Hill), the first property in the footprint of this battle to be preserved. This significant property is the site of a spring-fed pond, a source of fresh water for Nathanael Greene and his troops.

In March 2022, the trust acquired and preserved a second property located on the right flank of the Patriot army. This five-acre property was also once the site of the famous Kirkwood Hotel in the early 20th century.

Finally, the trust will close on a third property of 15 acres in the battlefield footprint in the late spring of this year. This last property, also known as the polo field, was past the summit of the hill and was a staging area for the Patriot army. These three properties, totaling 22.63 acres, will be the site of a robust interpretation of this important Revolutionary War battle.

These acquisitions are made in partnership with Kershaw County and the American Battlefield Trust. Conservation easements are being granted on these three properties, which will preserve the battlefield in perpetuity. Hobkirk’s Hill is part of the unfolding S.C. Liberty Trail, a statewide network of Revolutionary War battlefields being preserved and interpreted for the public.

Doug Bostick is executive director and CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust.