South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip: Untold American Revolution Stories from the Upcountry

South Carolina’s Upcountry was a decisive theater of the American Revolution — a place where fierce battles, bold leadership, and everyday people shaped the future of a nation. In Travels with Darley: South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip – Part III, we follow that history across battlefields, plantations, towns, and universities, uncovering stories often left out of textbooks.

Kings Mountain: A Turning Point

Our journey begins at Kings Mountain National Military Park, just south of the North and South Carolina border. With Park Ranger Robert Holmes, we walk the trails of the October 7, 1780 battle that marked a major Patriot victory. Fought largely by militia, Kings Mountain shifted momentum in the Southern Campaign and proved that British loyalist strongholds were vulnerable.

Ninety Six: Where the Southern War Began

This episode also highlights Ninety Six National Historic Site, one of the most important — and least understood — Revolutionary locations in the South. Ranger Adrian Stewart guides us to the remains of the earthen Star Fort, constructed starting in December 1780 by Loyalist soldiers and enslaved people from nearby plantations.

This site also witnessed the first land battle in the South in 1775, showing just how early the conflict reached the Carolina backcountry.

Musgrove Mill: Outsmarting the British

At Musgrove Mill Interpretive Ranger Mark Stanford takes us across the battlefield which, on August 19, 1780, laid witness to intense fighting pitting neighbor against neighbor. Mark describes how some 200 Patriot militiamen had a surprising victory against a force of about 300 loyalist militiamen and about 200 provincial troops fighting for the British.

Spartanburg: History, Food, and Community

In Spartanburg, local guide Joe Mullinax introduces Darley to a city where Revolutionary history blends seamlessly with modern culture. He drives to meet Darley on his zippy red Vespa, showing the European side of this Southern city. Darley and Joe explore Morgan Square, home to a monument honoring a Revolutionary War general tied to the Battle of Cowpens. The two stroll the Spartanburg Music Trail, and browse Hub City Bookshop, home of a cat mascot.

Food tells its own story here. At The Kennedy, chef William Cribb showcases locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. At Wade’s, Anna Liles shares the legacy of this James Beard Award–winning “meat and three” institution, where generations have learned to love their vegetables.

Darley takes viewers for the night at the beautifully restored Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens, owned by Paul and Pontheolla Mack-Abernathy. She even learns about one of Spartanburg’s most unique stays — a converted railroad caboose! Next, she tries a popular local coffee shop. This morning’s coffee comes courtesy of the world with Gervais Hollowell who has a roastery on-site at Little River Roasting, just off the Mary Black Rail Trail.

Clemson: Military Roots and Revolutionary Leaders

An hour away, Clemson University reveals a powerful military heritage and American Revolution history. Outside Memorial Stadium, Dr. Otis Pickett explains the significance of the Scroll of Honor, memorializing 498 men who gave their lives in service to the country.

Nearby stands the former home of Andrew Pickens, a key Patriot leader. We learn why George Washington chose Pickens to serve as chief ambassador for the Treaty of Hopewell, shaping early relations between the United States and Native Nations.

We also visit Fort Rutledge, tied to the Battle of the Essenecca, and the Hanover House, built by French Huguenots in the 1730s — where all eight sons fought in the American Revolution. Curtis Arnold introduces Darley to the Old Stone Church in Clemson, where General Andrew Pickens and other major Revolutionary War heroes are buried. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cowpens: A Brilliant Victory

At Cowpens National Battlefield, Park Ranger Paul Cothren walks us through the January 17, 1781 battle where General Daniel Morgan executed one of the Revolution’s most brilliant strategies, defeating British commander Banastre Tarleton and helping pave the way to eventual independence.

Walnut Grove Plantation: A Woman’s Hidden Role

Our final stop is Walnut Grove Plantation, where David Wood shares a lesser-known story — that of a woman whose quiet actions supported the Patriot cause. It’s a reminder that the Revolution wasn’t fought only by generals and soldiers, but by ordinary people whose courage didn’t always make it into history books.

South Carolina’s Upcountry Revolutionary Road Trip is more than a series of battles — it’s a living landscape of stories, food, music, and community. From Kings Mountain to Cowpens, these places reveal how the Upcountry helped shape the nation we know today.

How to Watch:

“Travels with Darley” Season 13 is on PBS stations across the nation starting in January. Season 12 is also repeating nationwide on Create TV. Check your local PBS listings for dates and times.

In South Carolina, watch the new Season 13 of “Travels with Darley” on SC-ETV on Mondays at 7pm, starting January 5th on ETV and repeating on Tuesdays at 9pm on the SC Channel. Also, watch Season 12 on Tuesdays at 10am and 5pm on the South Carolina Channel.

Special South Carolina Focused Episodes of “Travels with Darley”

Myrtle Beach Homecoming
Monday, January 26, 7:00 pm on ETVHD
Tuesday, February 3, 9:00 pm on SC Channel

South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip Part III
Monday, February 2, 7:00 pm on ETVHD
Tuesday, February 10, 9:00 pm on SC Channel