COLUMBIA, S.C. — If you love history and getting outdoors, the American Battlefield Trust's annual Park Day might be the perfect thing for you. Park Day is April 15, 2023, and American Battlefield Trust (ABT) is seeking volunteers to get out and perform some "spring cleaning" at battlefields and historic sites across the US.
In South Carolina, ABT is looking for volunteers to help at four sites:
Battle of River Bridge, 325 State Park Rd, Ehrhardt. The only Civil War site in South Carolina that is home to a preserved battlefield. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. to help with painting, clearing debris, trimming, pruning, and filling armadillo holes and burrows. A ranger led battlefield tour will be offered for all volunteers. Participants are encouraged to bring a pole saw or weed eater, and eye protection. A hotdog lunch will be provided at noon. Contact: Russell Stock at rstock@scprt.com
Buford Massacre Battlefield, 262 Rocky River Rd., Lancaster. Also known as Battle of the Waxhaw's, this is the site of the May 29, 1780, Revolutionary War battle between British Col. Tarleton and Col. Buford. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. and assist in cleaning of the park and walking trails, removing brush and fallen tree limbs, and clearing trash along the Rocky River Road. A site orientation and tour will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, long sleeve shirts, and heavy foot wear. Lunch will be provided. Contact: Ken Obriot at kcobriot@gmail.com
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, 1214 Middle St., Sullivan's Island. Construction of Fort Sumter began in 1829 and named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Thomas Sumter. Cannon fire from the fort began the Civil War. Fort Moultrie is a series of small fortifications and named after Col. William Moultrie who defended Charleston from British occupation in 1776. Volunteers will assist park staff with the preservation of the historic Fort Moultrie by pulling weeds, washing informational signs, sweeping, trimming. Formal programs at Fort Moultrie will be offered at 11am and 2pm. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and water battles. (Note: This event will take place Saturday, April 8, 2023). Contact: Shelby McAllister at smcallister@nps.gov
Hanging Rock Battlefield and Hanging Rock State Historic Site, Flat Rock Road, Heath Springs. The Battle of Hanging Rock was on August 6, 1780, as part of a Patriot drive to reclaim the Southern colonies after the siege of Charleston. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. to help with graffiti removal and other general maintenance such as trash pick-up. Participants are encouraged to bring chainsaws and cutters, if possible. (Note: This event will take place Saturday, April 8, 2023). Contact: Gina Bobo at ginabcar@outlook.com
If you are interested in participating or have any questions about volunteering, contact the local coordinator listed above.
The American Battlefield Trust is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has protected more than 56,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
