Discover what life was like for a Revolutionary War Militia soldier from the Carolina Backcountry. The New Acquisition Militia will depict the routines of an 18th century militia camp. Living historians will perform various traditional skills including textile arts and more. Smell the venison stew and other food cooked over the open campfire. They will demonstrate the steps to load and fire a flintlock weapon at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Trading was one of the things that would take place when militia gathered to drill, so you might be able to pick up a good from a blanket trader. Mark Hall will be selling canes, war clubs, pewter mugs and historical flags. Feel free to ask questions as you take a step back in time.
The New Acquisition Militia is a non-profit, all volunteer organization registered in the State of South Carolina whose mission is to educate and inform the general public about Revolutionary War era events in the South Carolina Upcountry. For over twenty years, this living history group has recreated the lives of a militia originally founded in 1775 with members recruited from parts of York and Cherokee counties. President Andrew Jackson and other members of his family fought for American independence alongside hundreds of other militiamen including the New Acquisition Militia at the Battle of Hanging Rock when he was only 13 years old.
The museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Retired Educators of Lancaster County will have the Little Schoolhouse open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This program is free with park admission.
Andrew Jackson State Park preserves and protects the site of Andrew Jackson’s boyhood home in South Carolina. Among its attractions are a museum about Andrew Jackson’s boyhood, a reproduction schoolhouse, trails, a campground, and a fishing lake. The park is nine miles north of Lancaster on U.S. 521 at 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road. Admission to the park is $3 for adults; $1.50 for SC seniors/disabled/active duty National Guard; $1 for youth ages 6-15; ages 5 & younger are free. For more information, call the park at (803) 285-3344.
