A Revolutionary Attraction

Camden’s gateway to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and the Liberty Trail in South Carolina.

 

Excitement is building as the city of Camden prepares to open the nation’s first permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and the major role of South Carolina during the war. Masterfully planned and designed for interpretation, The Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden is one of the state’s newest regional and national attractions, and is expected to serve as an essential starting point for everyone interested in the Revolutionary War, the Colonial era in this country, and the South Carolina Backcountry.

The $6 million visitor center complex is a collaboration between the City of Camden, Kershaw County, Central Carolina Technical (CCTC) and various state and national agencies. Built on 3.5 acres adjacent to the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, the center is comprised of several buildings including a 5,700 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall. Modeled after Camden’s “Old Tavern,” an early tavern built in the Charleston single house style, its signage read “Entertainment for Every Body - Man and Beast.” Here, the educational and interpretive platforms will include museum quality exhibits and artifacts that will explain Camden and Kershaw County’s ties to the American Revolution, its Native American and African American heritage, and the important role women played in the war. Original objects, replicas, interactive multimedia exhibits, graphics, photography, and story boards will intrigue, provoke, and spark curiosity to explore and discover areas of interest in the community.

The Visitor Center Complex also includes an 8,700 sq. ft. Assembly Building which will serve as a facility for group tour gatherings, educational symposia and a variety of other special events.  A third building - the 1,300 sq. ft. brick Market Building, is authentically modeled on an old-style, open air market that once stood across from the historic Robert Mills Courthouse on Broad Street. It will serve as additional gathering space and meeting venue. 

Overall, the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden will serve as a gateway to South Carolina’s oldest inland town, and Kershaw County – named for Camden founder, Joseph Kershaw.  Here visitors will enjoy a place of national significance to learn about area history and be guided to the sites and events focused on that history, as well as shopping, dining and other attractions and events.

 

Scheduled to open in spring 2021, it’s expected that the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden will draw thousands of visitors from around the world as interest builds toward our country’s 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.