Carolina Day in Laurens

The Laurens County American Revolution 250th Anniversary Committee is planning a community-wide celebration for Sunday, June 28, 2026 in observance of “Carolina Day in South Carolina. The multi-event program will feature a church service at the First Baptist Church in Laurens, a patriotic program on the grounds of the renovated Court House on the Public Square and the unveiling of a major Revolutionary War exhibit at the Laurens County Museum that will have state and regional impact. The Carolina Day celebration in Laurens County will begin at 3 pm with a community church service at the First Baptist Church on West Main Street in Laurens. The service will include remarks from two local ministers and patriotic and spiritual music from a community choir. At the end of the approximate 45 minute service, attendees will proceed en masse from First Baptist to the Public Square. The 250 Committee will provide transportation via golf carts for those who need assistance.

On the Square, there will be a brief ceremony featuring remarks from a local elected official, an overview of Laurens County’s important roll in the American Revolution by historian and battle field preservationist Durant Ashmore and the unveiling of a historic marker by the Daughters of the American Revolution. American Legion Post 25, which is headquartered in Laurens, will provide an Honor Guard for the ceremony. Ice and water will also be available. The Laurens Police Department will provide security and handle any traffic issues during the event. At the conclusion of the program on the Square, attendees will proceed across the street where the Laurens County Museum will unveil a major exhibit depicting Laurens County’s significant role in the Revolution. The wall-mounted, multi-room exhibit will feature art work and narratives telling the stories of all communities involved in the Revolution, including patriots, loyalists, women, enslaved persons and Native Americans. The design, preparation and display of the exhibit is the result of a cooperative effort among the Laurens County Museum, the Laurens County Museum and the South Carolina American Revolution 250 Committee, which provided most of the funding for the $100,000 + project. The Carolina Day celebration will be a community event that will involve the entire community. Churches throughout the county will be encouraged to ring their bells on the afternoon of June 28. More information will be available through local media, social media and advertisements as the date of the celebration approaches.