South Carolina has no shortage of Revolutionary War history, but over Labor Day Weekend, Eutawville was the place to be. More than 300 people came together to honor the 244th anniversary of the Battle of Eutaw Springs – a clash that helped bring America one step closer to independence.
Back on September 8, 1781, General Nathanael Greene led 2,300 Continental soldiers against the British under Colonel Alexander Stewart. The British may have claimed a victory that day, but their retreat to Charleston told another story. It left much of the Carolina backcountry in Patriot hands and set the stage for America’s independence.
The commemoration was more than just a history lesson – it was a celebration of remembrance and community. The three-day event, hosted by the Eutaw Springs Battleground Association Inc. with support from SC250, drew participants from across seven states, including descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers and members of patriotic organizations like SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. as well as the SC250 Commission represented by Chairman Gen. William Grimsley and Mike Tyler.
The weekend kicked off Thursday night with a welcome reception at Clark’s Restaurant, where 31 guests gathered to set the tone for the days ahead. On Friday, historian David Reuwer led 47 bus riders and several carpoolers on a tour of Revolutionary War landmarks, followed that evening by a dinner program for 68 attendees featuring a presentation from Peggy Pickett. Saturday opened with a patriotic service at the Historic Church of the Epiphany that drew 85 participants, then continued with a wreath-laying ceremony and historic marker unveiling where more than 100 people placed 34 wreaths in honor of the fallen. The commemoration concluded with a moving final tribute at General Francis Marion’s tomb, where Compatriot Keith Gourdin offered reflective remarks.
Events like this remind us that history isn’t just something written in textbooks – it’s alive in our towns, battlefields, and family stories. With America’s 250th birthday in 2026 right around the corner, SC250 is working hard to make sure these Revolutionary War stories are remembered, retold, and passed down.
Want to dive deeper into South Carolina’s Revolutionary history? Check out www.southcarolina250.com for upcoming events, historic sites, and ways to get involved.