In our country’s earliest days, colonists established a fortified settlement in Ninety Six, and it was a political and legal center for the entire northwest corner of the state. The name Ninety Six was in use as early as 1730 and probably referred to the mileage from the fort to the Cherokee nation’s capital of Keowee.
Ninety Six, located in Greenwood County, is famous for its Revolutionary War history. The first land battle of the war was fought here during November of 1775. American forces quickly constructed a fort of wood and straw and dug in for a long fight. The British army was unable to oust the Patriot fighters from their post, and the battle eventually ended in a truce.
The British eventually fortified Ninety Six, and built a wall around the village in the shape of a star and named it Star Fort. Constructed in 1780, this Revolutionary War earthen fort was the strongest of the British’s defenses in Ninety Six, and even withstood a 28-day attack by American soldiers. Star Fort is one of the best preserved British forts from the Revolutionary War.
This log cabin, built in 1767, was the home of Andrew Logan and was the first home to be built in nearby Greenwood. The cabin was found enclosed within what was thought to be a modern home with multiple additions that was being demolished. To prevent demolition, the Greenwood Historical Society preserved the cabin and moved it to Lander University in 1967. In 1971, the cabin was moved to its current site and placed it under the protection of the Star Fort Commission, and later, The National Park Service.
First used as a visitor center, the log cabin eventually was transformed into the Black Swan Tavern for interpretive purposes. Only open to visitors during special events, the historic site’s living history program is focused here. Visitors can experience what it was like for early settlers with period furnishings rounding out the cabin’s interior.
The Ninety Six Historical Site is listed in the National Register:
(Old Ninety Six & Star Fort) The historic district of Ninety Six National Historic Site contains numerous historical features associated with the economic and social development of the colonial South Carolina back country. Native Americans, colonial frontiersmen, and loyalists to the British crown have used this landmark site throughout state history. The area encompassed by the district also figured prominently during the American Revolutionary War, first as the focal point of regional political dissension and later as the scene of a lengthy siege that epitomized the strategy and determination of Major General Nathaniel Greene during the Southern Campaign of the War. As such, the district is of national historic significance. The historic sites included in this district’s documentation are those which relate to the site’s significance, for its association with the settlement and development of the English colonies in North America and with the southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War.
More Pictures of the Ninety Six National Historic Site
If our records prove correct, my 5th great-grandfather died in battle defending the Star Fort in 1781. His name was Mark Lively. He had 3 sons fighting around the same time. John, Reuben, and Thomas. I often wonder if there were any grave markers for the fallen defenders.
I lived in the SC lowcountry almost 60 years, and I never heard of the Star Fort, even though I had family in both Ninety-Six and Greenwood. This history is fascinating. I am so grateful to the SC Picture Project for all I’m able to learn so easily. Wonderful!
Thank you! We are always so happy to receive feedback from our visitors!