Daniel Prince
Commemoration, guided hike, and battlefield talk planned
November 20th marks the 241st anniversary of the Battle of Blackstocks, a Revolutionary War battle fought in 1780 on the farm of Captain William Blackstock along the Tyger River in what is today Union County. General Thomas Sumter gave Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton his first defeat during the Revolutionary War.
A commemoration of the battle will take place at the Blackstock Battlefield State Historic Site, located at 568 Monument Road in Enoree. The event will be Saturday, November 20, at 10 a.m. The commemoration will be held from 10-11 and will be led by local chapters of the Children of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Sons of the American Revolution. Afterward, a guided hike of the battlefield will be offered, led by leading Blackstock historian Michael Burgess. The hike will be two hours long and will take place over difficult and hilly terrain.
Space is limited for the hike, so registration is required by emailing mgmillsp@scprt.com, or by calling 864-938-0100 by 5 p.m. on November 19. For those unable to do the hike or who don’t want to go on the hike, a Ranger Battlefield Talk will be offered from 11:15-12:30 on the Blackstock Battlefield. It will cover the history of why the battle occurred, the specifics of the battle itself, and the importance of the battle to the Patriot cause.
Seating will be limited, so bring your own chair. All events are free to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event would be cancelled and not rescheduled. Those attending are asked to bring a chair, bug spray, water, and to wear shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and for hiking.