Are you a history buff? Check out our Revolutionary War itinerary through the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region…
As you plan your historic Revolutionary War Trail visits, the Capital City/Lake Murray Country region in South Carolina offers easy access from any part of the state with access to three major interstates I-20, I-26 and I-77. The story this region offers is historical with fun stops and culinary experiences along the way.
Start your day in Cayce, SC, at the Cayce Historical Museum located at 1800 12th Street. This museum houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War and serves as a replica of a frontier trading post building at Granby Village (Circa 1765). Granby was an important river trading market (established long before Columbia) on the Congaree River. During the American Revolution, several skirmishes occurred in the area. Fort Granby was in the possession of Loyalists and besieged unsuccessfully on February 19, 1781 by Brigadier General Thomas Sumter. Lt. Colonel Henry Lee then captured Fort Granby on May 14-15, 1781.
A fun stop along the way in Cayce includes the 12,000 Year History Park, a historic walking trail with great stories of a massacre, murder and a kidnapping. There are also historic markers to guide the way. Golf cart tours are offered for seniors or individuals with limited mobility. For more information, call (803) 796-9020.
A great lunch stop in Cayce is The Kingsman Restaurant, which is known for its steaks, especially the small ribeye! They have several varieties of ribeye, hamburgers, wings, beef tips, lasagna and daily lunch specials. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant has been a staple since 1972 and is located in Parkland Plaza, 2108 State Street in Cayce.
On the drive into Cayce, you will notice the Cayce River Arts District in the revitalized “original heart of the city” located on State and Frink Streets. Things to see throughout Cayce include the unique murals and sculptures: Stop and See Cayce, Paint the Town, Enjoy the Little Things, The Cayce Wonders, the River Maiden Sculpture, the Light Diamond Sculpture (shown above) and the famous Butterfly Bench.
After lunch, head across the river to the SC State Museum for a quick overview of South Carolina’s significant role in the American Revolution. This exhibit highlights the major battles that took place as well as the role that women played in the war. Located in the same building is the SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, which offers a few artifacts of this time in our history.
Stay the night in Columbia’s Vista area, a hot spot for evening dining and entertainment with numerous hotels available for your stay. Call (803) 781-5940 for reservations and ideas.
While you’re here, head to the Town of Lexington. In 1785, Lexington County, SC, was established, changing the name from Saxe-Gotha to Lexington in honor of the Massachusetts Revolutionary War battle of 1775. The county’s first courthouse was built at Granby, located just south of present day Cayce. With the clearing of upriver lands for the spreading cotton culture, Granby became plagued with floods. The county seat was moved in 1818 when the present town of Lexington was laid out on a high, healthy sand ridge near Twelve Mile Creek.
A must stop is the Lexington County Museum. You will experience a way of life that is gone forever! The exhibits demonstrate life in Lexington County from the 1700’s. The museum is the oldest documented house in the town of Lexington, The Lawrence Corley Log House, built by a Revolutionary War soldier in 1771 and sits on part of the original land grant. The Heinrich house, located on the grounds, is a typical river house built in 1774 and the ten-room John Fox House, built in 1832, is also located on the property. Other onsite exhibits offer history such as the displays of winter and summer dairy sheds, a smoke house, the potato house and a cotton gin. Tours are conducted by costumed guides who tell legendary war stories.
Before leaving Lexington, stop on Main Street for a unique and delicious lunch experience at O’Hara’s Irish Pub or Bodhi Thai Dining.
Enjoy your Rev War journey through our beautiful state.
Click here to read more about our historical Revolutionary War locations in our blog post.
