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Clinton, S.C. – Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, one of South Carolina’s most historically significant Revolutionary War locations, held a grand reopening of the Visitor Center following extensive exhibit upgrades.

 

Visitors can now interact with digital characters representing a Patriot civilian, a Patriot militiaman, a Loyalist militiaman, and an enslaved African American seeking freedom. Characters share stories and respond to visitor questions, providing unique first-person perspectives on the challenges, motivations, and experiences of the Battle of Musgrove Mill and the Revolutionary War era.

 

Their responses are based on a wide body of historical research and source materials that were meticulously curated by South Carolina State Park historians and Revolutionary War experts to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the exhibit.

 

“Today is really all about celebrating three distinct but interrelated victories,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “First and foremost, there’s the victory of the Patriots who fought at Musgrove Mill on this very day back in 1780. Second, there’s the victory of creating a more interactive and engaging experience to help visitors better understand the significance of this place and our history. And last, but certainly not least, today is a victory for our State Parks. Like the Battle of Musgrove Mill itself, the redevelopment of this Visitor Center was only made possible by the coordinated efforts of people dedicated to seeing this through to fruition.”

 

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation, the National Park Service, the Bailey Foundation, Accommodations Tax grants from the City of Clinton and Laurens County, state appropriated dollars, and donations.

 

“We are proud to support bringing these stories to life in a way that helps invite people to learn, reflect and connect,” said Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy South Carolina. “This exhibit is a wonderful example of the many programs we supported this year as part of our company’s celebration of America 250 and will be a resource for telling South Carolina’s history for years to come.”

TimeLooper, a pioneering Interpretive Experience Design firm, facilitated the exhibit redesign under the direction of South Carolina State Park staff. Their extensive project history includes the Carolina Rising Museum in Gaffney, SC, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, HI.

 

The Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is located at 398 State Park Rd., Clinton, SC 29325. For the latest information on park operations, hours, programs, events, and advisories, visit southcarolinaparks.com/Musgrove-Mill. The site commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that was fought there on August 19, 1780. A small force of approximately 200 Patriot militia fought and defeated a larger force of 200 Loyalists and 300 Provincial soldiers in a short but pivotal battle. This surprising Patriot victory was a major turning point during the Revolutionary War, boosting morale and dispelling the British high command’s belief that they had crushed all Patriot resistance.

 

Access to the Visitor Center is included with park admission: $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors, $1 for children 6-15, and free for children 5 and younger.  Special events, Ranger Guided Hikes, and Living History programs are held at the park throughout the year. Interact with immersive exhibits, walk the battlefield, explore the natural beauty, and uncover the rich history of the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

 

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View event photos.