Kings Mountain Revolutionary War Battle
Do you know why Kings Mountain Revolutionary War battle was so extraordinary? Actually, have you ever even heard of Kings Mountain?
I had, many years ago, but not in school. While researching my North Carolina family history, a mention was made of my 7th great-grandfather.
The mention was about his appointment “by the North Carolina House of Commons to collect, value, and give receipts for arms captured in the battle” of Kings Mountain.
That fueled my interest in the battlefield. When the chance to actually visit arose, I jumped on it!
View through the trees from atop Kings Mountain
Location:
2625 Park Road
Blacksburg, SC 29702
Visitor's Center:
(864) 936-7921
Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM
Fees: No fee
Website:
www.nps.gov/kimo/
Bronze tablet recognizes the victory and turning point of the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War Turning Point
Here’s a short history lesson about why this Revolutionary War battle was so extraordinary. (And I promise to keep it short.)
In 1780, the British turned their attention to the southern colonies. The war became brutal as the Crown’s loyalists and colonial patriots fought one another. The British banked on southern loyalists persuading their neighbors to swear allegiance, thus ending the war.
Major battle losses and Major Patrick Ferguson’s threat to the “backwater men” of hanging leaders and laying waste to their homes was a patriot call to arms.
Enter Kings Mountain
Militias from the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee surrounded the Mountain where Ferguson had camped. In little over an hour, the “Overmountain Men” totally defeated Ferguson’s loyalist troops.
At this point, Cornwallis placed his focus on the South, a decision that ended in total loss for the British and American independence.
(Want more American History? Check out this COURSE at Hillsdale College.)
Visitors enjoy walking through the forested hillside via a paved 1.5-mile trail that begins and ends at the Visitor’s Center.
Our Visit to Kings Mountain NMP
What did we find during our visit to Kings Mountain National Military Park? Much more than we expected.
First, the Park Rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly. They offered tips on how to best experience the Park’s features, pointing out highlights we might have overlooked.
Second, the trail around and to the top of the Mountain was awesome! Not only are information signs available to read along the trail, you can also use your phone to access audio tours. Signs with the phone number to call mark special historical spots
Third, we enjoyed the sounds of nature—acorns dropping, crickets chirping, a light breeze rustling through the “almost fall” leaves. We laughed as several acorns nearly bounced off our heads. The silence was refreshing.
TOP: The paved trail winds through trees all the while gradually climbing the mountain. BOTTOM LEFT: Signs along the way tell the battle story, including each militia's location. BOTTOM RIGHT: Paths leading to monuments of fallen leaders are well marked.
Watching the pro working his craft as we reach the summit.
The Kings Mountain Centennial Monument cornerstone was laid October 23, 1880 and built at a cost of $2,800. The pylon is placed on the battlefield’s highest point, marking the area of the 1st shots and most intense fighting.
Monuments to the Fallen and the Victors
Along the trail winding around Kings Mountain and on the summit are monuments not only to the fallen, but also to those who served in battle. Even though placed at various times since the battle, each monument holds special meaning.
In 1880, the Kings Mountain Centennial Association erected the 1st monument. It was a 28-foot high granite and marble pylon atop five graduating steps. Inscriptions on the marble slabs honor both victors and fallen.
The 2nd, the Kings Mountain U.S. Monument, is made of white granite from Mt. Airy, North Carolina. It was dedicated on October 7, 1909. The next morning, National Guard units from both North and South Carolina recreated the battle.
The U.S. Government placed this 83' tall white granite obelisk in 1909 at a cost of $25,000. Bronze tablets on each side dedicate the monument to victory as well as listing commanders and Americans killed in the battle.
One of four bronze tablets placed on the monument's side. Bas-relief sculptures symbolizing peace (right) along with martyrdom and victory (left) flank each side of the tablet.
Other Notable Markers
Placed throughout the Park are other markers noting places where militia leaders fell, from wounds or death. The markers are off the trail but visible, accessible by a marked path, and easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them.
These markers are stone with inscriptions or stone with mounted bronze tablets. Each one is a reminder of bravery and valor.
A granite boulder from Major William Chronicle’s hometown marks the place where he fell.
Originally a pile of rocks marked the place where British Colonel Patrick Ferguson lost his life. In 1930, the U.S. placed this inscribed granite tablestone symbolizing both Ferguson’s heroic death and bonds of friendship with Great Britain.
Honoring Our Defenders of Freedom and Liberty
National Military Parks are amazing places to visit. From open fields to forested land, the parks honor defenders of our freedom and liberty. But to me, Kings Mountain was extraordinary (and I grew up a few miles from Chickamauga National Military Park).
Why was this park so special? It commemorates a very notable battle—a battle that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War and one that helped define our great nation.
We enjoyed our quiet, reflective walk around Kings Mountain Revolutionary War Battlefield. It is a great place to spend a couple of hours in nature. Be sure to visit…..and you might just learn a few things.
When there's too much to write down, what do you do? Take a close-up photo—and try to not fall off the top step while leaning back!
About Kings Mountain National Military Park
In 1931, Congress established the Kings Mountain National Military Park, as a result of undaunted activists seeking recognition for this significant battle site. The Park includes a Visitor’s Center and bookstore, 1.5-mile trail surrounding and climbing the mountain, and informational signs for a self-guided tour.
It is located in Blacksburg, South Carolina, near the North Carolina border, just a few miles off the interstate.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
