Lancaster SC250 Commitee
Our Story
Honoring Our Revolutionary Legacy, Building Our Future
As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the American
Revolution, the Lancaster County 250 Committee is dedicated to commemorating
our county’s rich history and the pivotal role it played in the fight for
independence. The Lancaster County 250 Committee mission is to celebrate
and promote
Lancaster County’s role in the American Revolution throughout the South Carolina
backcounty by educating, engaging, and inspiring Lancaster County residents and
visitors. By supporting us through the
Give Local campaign, you help us preserve and promote the stories of the
people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County and its significant
contributions to the Southern backcountry during the American Revolution. Lancaster County is home to some of the most important and
dramatic events of the Southern Campaign in the American Revolution, including Buford’s
Defeat, the Battles of Hanging Rock, and Beaver Creek.
- Buford’s Defeat (Battle of the Waxhaws): On May 29, 1780, Patriot forces led by
Colonel Abraham Buford were
overtaken and massacred by British troops under Banastre Tarleton. This tragic event rallied American resolve against British brutality and contributed to growing support for independence. Please visit the Buford’s Defeat Battlefield Park at Highways 9 and 522 east of Lancaster to learn more about this battle.
- Battle
of Hanging Rock: On August 6, 1780, American forces led by General
Thomas Sumter launched a bold attack against British troops stationed at
Hanging Rock. Although the battle was inconclusive, it significantly
weakened British control of the region and stands as a key moment in
Lancaster County’s Revolutionary history. A young Andrew Jackson,
who would later become the seventh president of the United States,
was present at this battle, gaining his first taste of warfare. Andrew Jackson is the only president who was a prisoner of war. The Hanging Rock Battlefield Park is in a development phase. An interpretive trail will open in a few months.
We are proud to collaborate with key local and regional partners, including Friends of the Buford’s Massacre Battlefield, Friends of Hanging Rock Battlefield, Andrew Jackson State Park, the Lancaster County Historical Commission, and various heritage organizations. Together, we work to preserve, interpret, and promote the county’s Revolutionary War history, ensuring it is accessible to both residents and visitors.
Lancaster County 250 Committee Strategic Goals
- Redis
cover and Celebrate: We are committed to uncovering and highlighting Lancaster County’s Revolutionary Era, recognizing the significant individuals, key locations, principles, and events that defined this period.
- Interpret,
Preserve, and Share: Through Revolutionary War research, we aim to
preserve and make publicly accessible Lancaster County’s historical sites
and stories, ensuring that they remain part of the public memory.
- Educate the Community and Beyond: We strive to educate residents and visitors, sharing Lancaster County’s role in the American Revolution with the world through engaging, research-driven initiatives.
- Promote
Cultural Heritage Tourism: By supporting and promoting cultural
heritage tourism, we aim to tell the county’s rich Revolutionary history
from multiple perspectives, encouraging people to explore our past through
diverse narratives and gain the economic boost from tourism.
- Commemorate
the 250th Anniversary: Our committee supports and promotes local
commemorative events, preservation efforts, and the development of
heritage tourism infrastructure, ensuring Lancaster County’s Revolutionary
legacy is honored for generations to come.
Your donation will help us fund preservation projects,
educational programs, and commemorative events as we work to bring the stories
of Lancaster County’s Revolutionary history to life. Together, with the support
of our partners and the community, we can ensure that the spirit of the
Revolution continues to inspire future generations.
Join us in commemorating Lancaster County’s pivotal role in the fight for American independence.
Donate today through the Give Local campaign and help us build a future where history is remembered, celebrated, and shared.