Celebrating Laurens County’s Revolutionary Heritage
On a sunny Friday, November 21, 2024, the charming town of Gray Court in Laurens County marked a special occasion that any history buff would appreciate. As the first site-designating sign for Laurens County 250 was unveiled at the renowned Culbertson Backcountry Settlement, the community gathered to celebrate the ongoing effort to preserve the area’s rich Revolutionary War heritage.
A Bright Day for History
With a high of 58°F and a clear blue sky overhead, Friday was indeed a beautiful day to honor the past. State Senator Danny Verdin took center stage, reflecting on how the pandemic had temporarily set their plans back but expressed hope for the future, noting that he envisions a time when “we have hundreds of people on this site.”
He reminisced about the popular Pioneer Days event hosted in September, which brought together history enthusiasts and families, and reflected on the importance of history in shaping cultural heritage. Verdin mentioned a verse from Psalm 44, reminding everyone that the stories and artifacts we preserve today will teach future generations about their roots.
A Labor of Love
The Culbertson Backcountry Settlement, a labor of love nurtured by Dianne Culbertson and her late husband Charles, along with Sara Jane Armstrong, features authentic log cabins, a historic church, a school, and even a nearby cemetery. Each of these elements serves as a tangible connection to the past, creating a space where people can truly appreciate the sacrifices and struggles that shaped America.
Laurens County is home to five significant sites that are part of The Liberty Trail, which connects a total of 78 historic locations across South Carolina. This initiative, with an impressive $17 Million investment from the state and an additional $7 Million allocated to counties through the SC 250 Committee, aims to ensure that the rich tapestry of stories from the Revolutionary War remains alive for entertaining and educational purposes.
Stories Unfolding
Culbertson emphasized the uniqueness of every historical tale, noting that Laurens County will tell the stories of Revolutionary War skirmishes and battles through signs at 14 designated locations. The county already boasts an important site, the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, where visitors can experience history firsthand.
As the nation gears up for the significant 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2025, Laurens County expects a surge of visitors eager to delve into Revolutionary history. In a moment of gratitude during the unveiling ceremony, Culbertson led the crowd in a prayer, thanking those early ancestors who laid the groundwork for “our new nation.”
Future Plans and Engagement
The journey to commemorate this rich heritage does not end with one sign. With the Laurens County Council’s support, plans are underway to install signs at all 14 important locations, some of which have faced challenges due to flooding or are still in search of their original markers, as Ernie Segars, chairman of the Laurens County 250 Committee, explained.
Four permanent sites have been confirmed: the Culbertson Settlement, Hammond’s Store, Hayes Station, and Rosemont Plantation. A major exhibit showcasing artwork related to Revolutionary War sites is also set to reside at the Laurens County Museum, making it a hub of historical appreciation.
In a joyous proclamation, Segars called Friday’s event a “red-letter day for us,” marking the installation of the first sign and the QR code linking visitors to a countywide map. As dreams are acknowledged and realized, Armstrong noted that the Culbertson Backcountry Settlement reflects the best of pre-Colonial life — stating, “Each of these logs was touched by a man or a woman more than 250 years ago.”
A Heritage for All
Culbertson passionately shared, “Our 250 committee wants to tell the story of everyone that was here,” emphasizing the state’s theme of “It Took Us All.” As the sun set on this memorable day, the stories of Laurens County and its Revolutionary War history began to unfold, inviting all who are curious to dive deep into the past and appreciate the heritage that continues to shape our present and future.
