Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Follow a Revolutionary Road Trip across South Carolina’s Upcountry, where pivotal battles helped turn the tide of the American Revolution. In this PBS episode of Travels with Darley: South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip – Part III, we explore legendary battlefields, hidden historic sites, and the passionate people keeping these stories alive.
This episode of "Travel with Darley: South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip Part III" takes viewers to Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Musgrove Mill, Ninety Six, Clemson, and Spartanburg, uncovering dramatic moments from America’s fight for independence.
🔹 Kings Mountain National Military Park
Join Park Ranger Robert Holmes along the historic trails of the October 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain — a decisive Patriot victory fought just south of the North and South Carolina border.
🔹 Ninety Six National Historic Site
Park Ranger Adrian Stewart guides us to the original earthen Star Fort, built beginning in December 1780 by Loyalist soldiers and enslaved people. Learn about the first land battle in the South (1775) and why Ninety Six was so strategically important. Post park adventure, grab a snack at 96 Pecan Company with entrepreneur John Murray.
🔹 Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Interpretive Ranger Mark Stanford takes us onto the battlefield where, on August 19, 1780, roughly 200 Patriot militiamen achieved a stunning victory over a much larger Loyalist and British provincial force.
🔹 Spartanburg, South Carolina
Meet local guide Joe Mullinax as we explore downtown Spartanburg, from Morgan Square and its Revolutionary War monument to the Spartanburg Music Trail and Hub City Bookshop.
No travel adventure is complete without great local food. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Kennedy, classic Southern comfort food at Wade’s with Anna Liles, and a stay at the beautifully restored Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens — plus a unique overnight in a railroad caboose. Fuel up on local coffee at Little River Roasting at Fretwell, located along the Mary Black Rail Trail.
🔹 Clemson & Military Heritage
At Clemson University, Dr. Otis Pickett shares the school’s deep military roots at the Scroll of Honor, commemorating 498 fallen servicemen. Visit the historic Esso Club, the former home of Andrew Pickens, and learn why George Washington selected Pickens to help negotiate the Treaty of Hopewell.
Explore Fort Rutledge, tied to the Battle of the Essenecca, and the Hanover House, built by French Huguenots in the 1730s whose eight sons fought in the Revolution. Visit the grounds of the Old Stone Church to hear from L. Curtis Arnold about major players in support of the Revolutionary War buried here, including General Andrew Pickens.
🔹 Cowpens National Battlefield
Walk the battlefield with Park Ranger Paul Cothren, where on January 17, 1781, General Daniel Morgan defeated British commander Banastre Tarleton in one of the Revolution’s most brilliant tactical victories.
🔹 Walnut Grove Plantation
Our journey ends with David Wood, who shares a powerful, lesser-known story of a woman who quietly helped the Patriot cause.
From battlefields to ballgames, untold stories to unforgettable meals, this South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip reveals how local communities shaped America’s path to independence.
📺 Watch the full episode on PBS stations and comic to streaming
📍 Subscribe for more Revolutionary Road Trips at darley-newman.com/contact
Follow a Revolutionary Road Trip across South Carolina’s Upcountry, where pivotal battles helped turn the tide of the American Revolution. In this PBS episode of Travels with Darley: South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip – Part III, we explore legendary battlefields, hidden historic sites, and the passionate people keeping these stories alive.
This episode of "Travel with Darley: South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip Part III" takes viewers to Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Musgrove Mill, Ninety Six, Clemson, and Spartanburg, uncovering dramatic moments from America’s fight for independence.
🔹 Kings Mountain National Military Park
Join Park Ranger Robert Holmes along the historic trails of the October 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain — a decisive Patriot victory fought just south of the North and South Carolina border.
🔹 Ninety Six National Historic Site
Park Ranger Adrian Stewart guides us to the original earthen Star Fort, built beginning in December 1780 by Loyalist soldiers and enslaved people. Learn about the first land battle in the South (1775) and why Ninety Six was so strategically important. Post park adventure, grab a snack at 96 Pecan Company with entrepreneur John Murray.
🔹 Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Interpretive Ranger Mark Stanford takes us onto the battlefield where, on August 19, 1780, roughly 200 Patriot militiamen achieved a stunning victory over a much larger Loyalist and British provincial force.
🔹 Spartanburg, South Carolina
Meet local guide Joe Mullinax as we explore downtown Spartanburg, from Morgan Square and its Revolutionary War monument to the Spartanburg Music Trail and Hub City Bookshop.
No travel adventure is complete without great local food. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Kennedy, classic Southern comfort food at Wade’s with Anna Liles, and a stay at the beautifully restored Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens — plus a unique overnight in a railroad caboose. Fuel up on local coffee at Little River Roasting at Fretwell, located along the Mary Black Rail Trail.
🔹 Clemson & Military Heritage
At Clemson University, Dr. Otis Pickett shares the school’s deep military roots at the Scroll of Honor, commemorating 498 fallen servicemen. Visit the historic Esso Club, the former home of Andrew Pickens, and learn why George Washington selected Pickens to help negotiate the Treaty of Hopewell.
Explore Fort Rutledge, tied to the Battle of the Essenecca, and the Hanover House, built by French Huguenots in the 1730s whose eight sons fought in the Revolution. Visit the grounds of the Old Stone Church to hear from L. Curtis Arnold about major players in support of the Revolutionary War buried here, including General Andrew Pickens.
🔹 Cowpens National Battlefield
Walk the battlefield with Park Ranger Paul Cothren, where on January 17, 1781, General Daniel Morgan defeated British commander Banastre Tarleton in one of the Revolution’s most brilliant tactical victories.
🔹 Walnut Grove Plantation
Our journey ends with David Wood, who shares a powerful, lesser-known story of a woman who quietly helped the Patriot cause.
From battlefields to ballgames, untold stories to unforgettable meals, this South Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip reveals how local communities shaped America’s path to independence.
📺 Watch the full episode on PBS stations and comic to streaming
📍 Subscribe for more Revolutionary Road Trips at darley-newman.com/contact
