Historic Camden will celebrate its 46th annual Revolutionary War Field Days on Nov. 5-6, 2016. The event, which features battle reenactments and living history demonstrations, will take place on the Historic Camden grounds located at 222 Broad Street, Camden, South Carolina 29020 — just a few miles up Interstate 20 from Columbia on exit 98. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The Revolutionary War Field Days has been a November tradition in Camden since 1970, explains Historic Camden Executive Director Halie Brazier, who started in her role in May. “This is my first Field Days and I think our staff and volunteers will put on a wonderful event that will make Camden proud.” Historic Camden gathers reenactors from across the country to camp in the shadow of the Kershaw-Cornwallis House. Battles occur at 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday with units representing the American Continental Army and militias as well as British and Loyalist forces.
“There are many activities to entertain and educate the entire family about the American Revolution and 18th century life,” Brazier says. These activities include 18th century living history and craft demonstrations, a period fashion show, a roundtable history discussion, and settlers selling their wares. Food vendors will also be on site.
Although the actual Battles of Camden and Hobkirk’s Hill occurred elsewhere around the town, Revolutionary War Field Days features reenactments of the Battle of Camden and other battles from the war on the Historic Camden campus. The 107 acres in Historic Camden’s museum complex has its own important Colonial and Revolutionary War history, however. Camden’s founding father Joseph Kershaw built the original Kershaw-Cornwallis House in the 1770s, and it was later the site of General Charles Cornwallis’ headquarters when British forces captured Camden from 1780-81.
Discounts for military families are available to thank current service men and women as all visitors honor veterans of the American Revolution. Parking is free.
Visit Historic Camden for more information.