SC Revolutionary War battlefield named one of 11 endangered sites in the US. Here’s why
A Revolutionary War battlefield in South Carolina has been named one of the United States 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
About 300 of the 600 acres of Hanging Rock Battlefield near Camden has been protected, and supporters say being placed on the endangered list will help raise funding to preserve the remainder of the property.
“This recognition underscores both the historic significance of Hanging Rock and the urgent need to protect it for future generations,” said American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan.
The battle on Aug. 6, 1780 led by General Thomas Sumter involved several hundred Patriot troops who attacked British and Loyalist troops along the Great Wagon Road, a key route for the Continental Army and local militias.
Patriot troops captured two of the three British camps before retreating.
“Although Sumter could not hold the ground, the Patriots inflicted heavy losses, boosted morale throughout the region, and strengthened support for the Revolutionary cause in South Carolina,” American Battlefield Trust said in a news release.
“The story of the Battle of Hanging Rock adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the Revolutionary War, beyond what most Americans already know about northern battles at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, or Saratoga,” Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said. “At this southern outpost, the battle reveals the human cost and complex alliances of the Southern Campaign, where neighbors fought neighbors for self-governance and their unalienable right to liberty.”
Hanging Rock has received matching funds from the federal American Battlefield Protection Program’s land acquisition grant program, which has permanently protected 40,000 acres.
“The area is experiencing population growth and development pressures, which risk fragmenting the battlefield’s core acres,” American Battlefield Trust says on its website. “Significant funding is needed for land acquisition, park development, and long-term stewardship of the battlefield.”
The nonprofit American Battlefield Trust has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states.
The battlefield is part of The Liberty Trail: SC developed with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust to highlight key Revolutionary War locations across the state. In addition to American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, the effort also includes South Carolina 250 Commission, South Carolina State Parks, and Friends of Hanging Rock.
Hanging Rock includes a three-quarter-mile walking loop and interpretive signage detailing the battle and its significance.
The website also has a virtual tour that shows key battle locations and who was involved.
The trust is asking people to contact Congress to support reauthorization of the matching grant funding.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC Revolutionary War battlefield named one of 11 endangered sites in the US. Here’s why."