In early June, I had the awesome opportunity to travel back in time to late-spring 1780 in an area known as the Waxhaws of Carolina. The Museum of the Waxhaws in the charming historic town of Waxhaw NC, along with other regional partners hosted a reenactment weekend full of events commemorating one of the most notorious Revolutionary War events in the South – The Battle of Waxhaws (May 29th, 1780). It was here that British Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Green Dragoons met up with Abraham Buford’s 380 Virginia Continentals near Lancaster SC in the heart of the Waxhaws. This became a disaster for the patriots who were essentially massacred on the field. The patriots had attempted to surrender but Tarleton’s men kept killing them. This ‘No Quarter,’ was considered completely against the norms of warfare and shocked even many loyal leaning Carolinians by the brutality of the British at Waxhaws. We’ll dive into the facts vs. fiction about the battle, but suffice it to say Waxhaws was a turning point in the war. Many heard about the terror in the Waxhaws and decided to take up arms and fight the British and stand up to ‘Butcher Ban’ or ‘Bloody Ban’ as he was called. ‘No Quarter’ became an unifying rallying call for the Carolinas in their fight against a common enemy – The British.
What is the Waxhaws:
The Waxhaws region, a portion of North and South Carolina’s western Piedmont, stretches from Monroe, NC in the east, to just south of Charlotte in the north, and down to Lancaster, SC in the south.
The name ‘Waxhaws’ is derived from an Indian Tribe that once inhabited the area. In the 1750s many settlers, especially Scots-Irish Presbyterians and some German immigrants moved into the area they called ‘The Garden of the Waxhaws.’
During the American Revolution, it was here that the hornets’ nest was unleashed as the Carolinas fought Cornwallis and Tarleton’s troops tooth and nail from traditional battlefield combat to guerilla warfare. It was in the Waxhaws that neutrality between British and Patriot could no longer stand. This became a civil war, where Loyalist neighbors and Patriots fought for liberty and what they believed was right for America’s future.
- Interested to learn more about Waxhaws history check out The Museum of the Waxhaws – a wonderful museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Waxhaws region. I also recommend the Marvin Historical Society for history about the area as well.
In this initial Waxhaw post, I’ll share an overview of our weekend adventures, followed by subsequent posts that dive deeper into the region’s Revolutionary War history, fun things to do in the region, and other travel tips to plan your Waxhaws adventure. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates!
Traveling Through Time: Three Days in the Carolina Waxhaws
On June 6th, my mom and I traversed the scenic backroads of the Carolina Piedmont from Raleigh to the charming town of Waxhaw, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. As a Revolutionary War buff, I’m always looking for opportunities to visit historical sites and dive deeper into their past. When visiting the Camden Revolutionary War Center in December 2024, I learned more about the importance of the Waxhaws region in the fight for American Independence. The curators there suggested that my mom and I explore the area from Lancaster, SC to York, SC, and up to Waxhaw in the future. I was delighted when I noticed that The Museum of the Waxhaws was hosting a Revolutionary War weekend with multiple events, including an onsite artisans and craft fair at the museum and reenactments of the Battle of Waxhaws at the battle site near Lancaster, SC.
We arrived in Downtown Waxhaw around 5:30 p.m., just in the nick of time to find a parking spot for the kickoff to the Revolutionary War weekend. On Friday night, the British Green Dragoons led by Banastre Tarleton and his men, as well as Continental Patriot forces and camp followers (women and men who followed the camps to provide services and goods), stormed downtown Waxhaw. Plan your Waxhaw visit here
My mom and I were fortunate to catch a front-row view as the parade kicked off near downtown at the Old Mill Building before heading into town and ‘taking over the city.’ Crowds were treated to raring patriotic music by The Guilford Fife and Drum Corps, a group of volunteer period musicians from Greensboro.
What struck me the most as I surveyed the crowds was the diversity of ages and backgrounds, all actively engaging in their passion for American history. The majority of the event was volunteer run and you could feel the palpitating enthusiasm by all who gave their time to commemorate the Waxhaws deep Revolutionary War roots.
Even the Loyalist and ‘Bloody Ban’ reenactor was kind enough to take photos with kids and families and share facts about the Battle and upcoming events over the weekend. This takeover was a fantastic kickoff to both the Revolutionary weekend and the broader America 250 celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth.
Hungry after the takeover drama, my mom and I grabbed dinner at the Cork & Ale, a cozy bistro pub in the heart of downtown Waxhaw. Part craft beer and wine shop, part bar and bistro, this gem features a robust menu of local craft beers and delicious wines, as well as mixed drinks from the bar. Their menu offers a variety of small plate appetizers to entrees perfect for any palate. I ordered their yummy salmon salad and a glass of wine. Nearby, Loyalists and Patriots (still in full costume from the takeover) set aside their differences over ‘spirited’ conversations. I imagined myself in a tavern circa 1780 as a Patriot: How would I react if a Loyalist approached, or if I had been under suspicion of spying for the ‘rebels’? Events like this truly help history come to life and highlight how it can shape our future.
Downtown Waxhaw is a bustling center of activity, boasting an eclectic mix of local shops and a delightful variety of restaurants. The area is incredibly walkable, beautifully paying homage to its railroad and milling history as you cross the Historic Waxhaw Footbridge over the tracks, connecting one side of downtown to the other. In its heyday as a milling center, goods were constantly transported to and from the mills, right through the heart of Waxhaw.
As I strolled the charming streets, a particular sign caught my eye, detailing how the Waxhaw area was once part of a great Indian Tradepath. Indeed, this region is truly steeped in history, spanning from prehistoric times through the Revolutionary War, the Industrial Revolution, and beyond! I’m so excited to dedicate a specific upcoming post to the town of Waxhaw, complete with tips to help you plan your own Waxhaw Town Adventure.
I’ve been good on my diet recently, but I couldn’t resist trying homemade ice cream, especially when the line stretched so far out the door you just knew it had to be good! For dessert, we headed a few doors down from Cork & Ale to The Waxhaw Creamery. It took twenty minutes in line to get to the counter, but was it ever worth the wait! This homemade ice cream was rich and smooth. They offered a tempting variety of flavors, and after careful debate, I ordered a scoop of the Lemon Custard and Black Raspberry Swirl. My mom opted for a coffee milkshake. It was definitely worth the calories – delicious and creamy!
While Waxhaw has a few Airbnb rentals, the majority of accommodations are in Charlotte (about twenty-five minutes to the north) or east in Monroe. My mom and I decided to stay in Fort Mill, South Carolina at a Hampton Inn. Just over the state line, Fort Mill is an awesome city for families as it is home to Carowinds Theme Park (which straddles the NC-SC state line) and is close to many of the historic spots in the area, from York to Lancaster. You could even use Fort Mill as a base camp for a day trip to Kings Mountain National Military Park (we’ll visit there soon). I’ll be sure to feature more about Fort Mill in a future post. Stay tuned.
Saturday June 7th: No Quarter in the Waxhaws – Reliving the Infamy of Buford’s Massacre
The Revolutionary War Weekend had an interconnected series of events scheduled across the Waxhaws throughout the weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Museum of the Waxhaws was transformed into an 18th-Century Revolutionary War camp.
At the museum, history buffs could participate in a full schedule of historical events, including lectures about Banastre Tarleton, as well as shop with over 100 living history vendors and those demonstrating Colonial and early American trades. They even had a baking competition made with Colonial-style equipment! While on site, visitors also had the opportunity to tour the museum itself, which features excellent exhibits about the Waxhaws region, from the Catawba and early settlers to Andrew Jackson’s time and the Civil War and beyond. The museum is a treasure for North Carolinians and their rich history here. The majority of the reenactors camped nearby the museum in Revolutionary War-style tents, making it a truly authentic experience.
Over the weekend, visitors could ‘Join the Revolution’ by attending two reenactments of the Battle of Waxhaws. The first, held on Saturday, took place right beside the actual battlefield memorial in Lancaster SC. Lancaster SC is roughly 22 minutes from Waxhaw NC. According to the Museum of the Waxhaws this was the first time this re-enactment took place on the actual battlefield where it was fought – which made it all the more poignant.
Visitors could also watch the reenactment on Sunday on the NC side at the Museum of the Waxhaws
My mom and I decided to attend the Lancaster re-enactment and visit the memorial on Saturday at 2 p.m. and would then visit the Museum of the Waxhaw events on late Saturday afternoon after the two o’clock re-enactment. This way we’d have plenty of time to get to Lancaster and find a good viewing spot for the event.
Fun fact: Did you know that over 200 skirmishes and battles occurred in South Carolina during the American Revolution? Only New Jersey and New York had more Revolutionary War battles.
A local recommended we spend a Saturday morning at Andrew Jackson State Park, just south of the North Carolina line. This amazing state park vividly tells the story of Jackson’s early life: from being the son of Scots-Irish immigrants in the Waxhaws region, through his father’s early death, to Jackson’s profound trials and suffering during the American Revolution – including the tragic deaths of his mother and two brothers. Jackson’s journey offers a profound window into the struggle, suffering, and innate hope for liberty that truly defined the fight for the Carolinas in the American Revolutionary War.
Both South Carolina and North Carolina vigorously claim Jackson as their native son. This historical debate stems from the late 1700s when the Waxhaws region lacked a definitive state line, causing the community to span both states. Even today, I found myself crossing the state line frequently on this trip, navigating from one local gem to another.
I was particularly keen to visit Andrew Jackson State Park, having long been fascinated by him as a historical figure and president. While attending college at Belmont in Nashville, Tennessee, it seemed every other road was named after ‘Old Hickory.’ I’ve also had the privilege of touring his final home, The Hermitage in Tennessee, which I found to be one of the prettiest houses I’ve ever visited – not for its grandeur, but for its perfect blend of stateliness and gracious hospitality.
As the seventh president, Jackson left a complex legacy. While many applaud his focus on the ‘Common Man’ and his firm stance against potential secessionists during South Carolina’s Nullification Crisis, his treatment of the Cherokee and other Native American tribes through the Trail of Tears, alongside his decision to dismantle the Second National Bank (which contributed to the Panic of 1837 during Martin Van Buren’s term), remain disastrous and difficult to reconcile.”
However, touring both The Hermitage and his childhood homesite at South Carolina’s Andrew Jackson State Park helps uncover a deeper, at times more empathetic, Jackson. His formative years in the Waxhaws no doubt forged his ‘Old Hickory’ resolve and his unwavering focus on the ‘Common Man.’ It was here that Jackson first experienced profound joy and suffering.
During the American Revolution, when British Loyalists entered his home and demanded he clean their boots, a defiant fourteen-year-old Jackson and his brother Robert refused. A British officer then raised his sword, striking both boys. Robert tragically died from the blow to his head, while Jackson, raising his arm in defense, was left with scars on his hands and face. He would never forget this atrocity, a memory that undoubtedly fueled his resolve when he famously fought the British as an adult hero at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.
Visiting Andrew Jackson State Park
Located nine miles north of Lancaster, just inside the South Carolina border, this phenomenal 360-acre state park truly invites visitors to embark on a journey into Andrew Jackson’s early life. It vividly highlights his formative years in the Waxhaws, where he lived with his mother and brothers Hugh and Robert on his Uncle James and Aunt Jane Crawford’s 110-acre farm. This strong, tight-knit community profoundly shaped him. When the Revolutionary War broke out, the Jacksons were one of about 100 families living in the Waxhaws region.
There is a small entry fee (only $3 as of 2025) to visit the museums and ground (that’s a deal you can’t refuse). Purchase entry here.
*Fun fact: When visiting there was a film crew from Ireland doing a documentary about Andrew Jackson as they were interested in his Scots-Irish heritage – how cool!
The State Park includes a variety of fun things to do from museums and living history bringing the story of Andrew Jackson to life as well outdoor recreation including hiking trails, camping and a lake. Don’t be surprised to spot area wildlife here like deer as you meander the grounds.
I recommend starting your tour in the Visitor Center, then exploring the remainder of the ‘Andrew Jackson’ trail on site, we’ll dive into these spots in a minute. Let’s start with a bit of history.
As mentioned, this area takes its name from the early Native American tribe, the Waxhaws, who once inhabited it. This fertile land, a mix of dense forests and cleared fields, was aptly nicknamed ‘the Garden of the Waxhaws’ – an ideal spot for homesteaders and farmers. Many early settlers to the Waxhaws were Scots-Irish Presbyterians seeking a better life. Andrew Jackson Sr. and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, with their sons Hugh and Robert, made the arduous voyage to America in 1765. They then traveled the Great Wagon Road from Pennsylvania down to the ‘Garden of the Waxhaws,’ fortunate to have family already settled there, including Elizabeth’s sister Jane and her brother-in-law James Crawford. Can you imagine the sheer bravery of crossing a treacherous 1760s ocean with two young children and then beginning a new life in the backcountry? This is the very grit Jackson’s parents endowed him with; their faith and resilience would undoubtedly carve him into ‘Old Hickory.
Andrew Jackson was born somewhere near this site along the disputed North Carolina or South Carolina state line on March 15, 1767. Tragically, his father died just a few months before Andrew’s birth. Elizabeth, his mother, had to muster immense courage and rely on her faith, now facing life in a new world as a single mother to three young boys. If you think Andrew was tough, his mother was a true force of nature, known for her selfless courage and inner strength. Her spirit of fortitude and unwavering resolve undoubtedly influenced Andrew and his brothers as they grew up.
Fortunately, Mrs. Jackson was able to move her family in with her sister Jane and brother-in-law James Crawford on their 110-acre farm along Waxhaw Creek. As Jane had health issues, Elizabeth Jackson was able to help run the household, providing invaluable support. Today, the state park sits on this very Crawford Farm, where Jackson spent many of his formative years.
While the original Crawford House no longer stands, the log cabin-style visitor center offers a vivid window into Jackson’s early life. It features depictions of how the Jackson family would have lived, exhibits on his time in the Waxhaws, and the tumultuous Revolutionary War years that shaped ‘Old Hickory.’ A comprehensive timeline traces Jackson’s life after he left the Waxhaws for North Carolina and then Tennessee, detailing his rise as a hero of the War of 1812 and his eventual presidency as the ‘Common Man’s’ advocate in the 1830s. The museum also houses several important artifacts tied to Jackson and his life – you can even see a piece of his hair!
The exhibits in this museum truly bring to life what daily existence would have been like for families in the Waxhaws, highlighting the crucial importance of community and faith in their lives.
Also on the grounds, you can truly put yourself in young Andrew’s shoes, experiencing a glimpse of what life would have been like in his youth. There’s a replica of a schoolhouse, similar to the one he would have attended at age nine with his cousin William Crawford. Jackson lived at James Crawford’s house until he was nine, at which point he and William were sent to live with James’ brother Robert, who happened to be one of the most successful planters in the region.
You can also see a replica of the Old Waxhaw Meetinghouse, where Scots-Irish Presbyterians worshipped. Presbyterians at the time called their churches ‘meeting houses’ (similar to the Quakers in this regard) because they believed the congregation was the church, and the building merely a place they met. Beyond church services, the Meeting House served as a hub for social gatherings, recreation, and even political discussions. Sadly, the original meetinghouse was burned by the British during the war.
In my studies of the Revolutionary War, I’ve discovered that the burning of churches, while generally frowned upon by British army generals, wasn’t uncommon – especially targeting Presbyterian and other Protestant church buildings. This was often fueled by prejudice against denominations that went against the established Anglican church, though several Anglican churches were attacked and burned as well. Today, you can still visit the Old Waxhaw Meetinghouse Cemetery, where you’ll find markers for Andrew Jackson Sr. (Andrew’s father), his brother Robert, as well as the ‘Father of the University of North Carolina’ and ardent Patriot leader William R. Davie.
Picking a Side: The Fiery Crucible of the Waxhaws“
In the American Revolution, Scots-Irish settlers found themselves on both sides, as Loyalists and Patriots. Many initially tried to remain neutral. However, after the brutal butchering of Patriots in the Battle of the Waxhaws (also known as Buford’s Massacre) on May 29, 1780, combined with escalating British violence throughout the South Carolina frontier, the area truly became a hornet’s nest. Many settlers turned fiercely against the British, employing guerrilla tactics through small skirmishes and larger battles to frustrate their plans. It was, in essence, a true Civil War in the backcountry.”
Lord Cornwallis and his notorious lieutenant, Banastre Tarleton, initially believed they could rally the area into submission using fear tactics, hoping that Loyalists would then rise up and maintain peace. But no one likes a bully. These very fear tactics only served to turn many previously neutral settlers into ardent Patriots. This shift would eventually help solidify the entire region of the Waxhaws—all the way to the far reaches of southwestern Virginia and areas over the Appalachians—to rally together against the British. This growing resistance would culminate in decisive Patriot victories in places like Kings Mountain, South Carolina, and Cowpens, South Carolina, and eventually lead to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in March 1781. Though a tactical victory for the British, Guilford Courthouse was a pyrrhic one, so costly it forced Cornwallis to retreat to Wilmington, North Carolina, and eventually move his forces north to Yorktown, where he would face his ultimate defeat in October 1781.
The Jacksons During the Revolution: Sacrifice for Liberty
Jackson’s family was profoundly impacted by the Revolutionary War. His older brother, Hugh, tragically died of heat stroke while fighting as a Patriot at the Battle of Stono Ferry near Charleston in 1779. In early 1781, both Andrew and his older brother Robert were captured by the British in their Waxhaws home. The British were attempting to force young boys to join their Loyalist cause or face imprisonment (as detailed in the museum exhibits). Both boys tried to hide but were captured and sent to Camden, which we visited in December 2024—you can read more about our adventure here. Camden represented a dire period for the Patriots, notably suffering one of their worst statistical losses of the war there. The British held Camden from August 1780 until their strategic withdrawal in May 1781, a decision significantly influenced by Patriot pressure and General Nathanael Greene’s successes, including the nearby Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill.
It was in British-held Camden that young Andrew and Robert were imprisoned, alone and away from their mother. During one harrowing instance of their imprisonment, a British officer demanded that Andrew clean his boots—a demand Andrew vehemently refused. As a prisoner of war, he asserted his right to refuse. Enraged, the officer violently raised his saber against the fourteen-year-old Jackson and his brother. Andrew, quick to react, raised his left hand to block the saber, causing a severe cut on his hand and face that scarred him for life. This act undoubtedly saved his life. Robert was not so lucky; a blow to his head severely injured him, and he later tragically died from smallpox contracted during his imprisonment and the harsh conditions, rather than directly from the saber wound to his head. This chilling account truly illustrates the level of violence some British troops were willing to mete out in the backcountry—violence where even a fourteen-year-old would be attacked, only causing the region to boil over in anger.
Before the British evacuated Camden in April 1781, Andrew’s mother, Elizabeth, was able to negotiate a prisoner exchange for her sons. Tragically, no sooner were they released than Robert succumbed to his illness. Driven by selflessness, Elizabeth and several women from Camden then traveled to Charleston to help nurse Patriots, including two of her nephews, who were being held on brutal British POW ships. In this immense act of generosity, however, Elizabeth contracted ship fever (typhus or cholera) and died. At just fourteen years old, Andrew was an orphan, truly alone in the world. These profound experiences under the British occupation of the Waxhaws, and their brutal treatment of his family and countrymen, undoubtedly stirred Jackson’s lifelong vehemence against the British, famously fueling his resolve during the War of 1812.
At age 17, Jackson moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, to study law and sit for the bar. He then moved to what would become Tennessee in 1788, living in areas like Jonesborough and frequently visiting Greeneville before settling in Nashville. In Nashville, his legacy is truly imbued in every corner of the region – those ‘Old Hickory’ street names are everywhere for a reason! American Nomad previously toured Jackson’s home, The Hermitage, in our ‘Historic Nashville Homes‘ post. The Hermitage remains one of my favorite historical places to visit as it truly brings to life the story of Jackson as both the formidable Military Commander and the President of the Common Man, as well as the tragic decisions surrounding The Trail of Tears
In addition to its historical exhibitions, the State Park also offers miles of hiking trails and a 20-acre lake with an island, perfect for kayaking. There’s also a campground on-site, making this a perfect vacation spot for families combining history with outdoor recreation. I can’t wait to return!
Reliving History: The Battle of the Waxhaws Reenactment“
Following our fun and informative visit to Andrew Jackson State Park, my mom and I drove a mere fifteen minutes over to the Buford’s Massacre/Battle of the Waxhaws reenactment area. The reenactment itself would take place on a field adjacent to the battleground memorial site, which is currently tied to the modern Buford Recreation Center—a facility now bustling with tennis, soccer, and other sports. We arrived around 12:30 PM, and a helpful parking assistant recommended we first drive over to the Battlefield Memorial. There, we could pay tribute to the Patriots buried and learn about the battle. This memorial doesn’t have extensive parking, so I was grateful we went earlier to ensure we had the opportunity to properly pay our respects to the fallen and tour the battlefield site.
I’ll dedicate a specific post to the full reenactment and history of this pivotal battle, but here’s an overview of the battle.
The Infamous Battle of the Waxhaws: A Turning Point in the South
The Battle of the Waxhaws is the infamous engagement that ignited a fury among even many previously neutral settlers, all due to the brutal slaughter and ‘no quarter’ given to the Patriot forces. In the months leading up to Waxhaws, the British, under General Clinton and General Lord Cornwallis, had begun a siege of Charleston. Their grand strategy was to invade the South, rally what they believed was a large, silent Loyalist majority in the Carolinas, and thereby cut off the southern colonies, putting further pressure on Washington’s forces in the North and eventually securing a British victory. This plan was specifically devised to leverage existing Loyalist support, meaning the British wouldn’t have to commit as many of their own troops, but could instead train local Loyalist militias. Men like Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton were brought on precisely for this task.”
Patriot leader Colonel Abraham Buford, from Virginia, had risen through the ranks from militiaman to a Colonel in the Continental Army, leading the 3rd Virginia Detachment (often referred to as the 2nd Virginia Brigade). His forces had been brought to South Carolina to help defend Charleston, but by the time they arrived, Charleston had already fallen. They quickly fell back, heading into the Waxhaws region. Cornwallis, eager to consolidate his victory, ordered Tarleton to chase them down.
Tarleton sent a messenger ahead demanding Buford’s surrender, which Buford steadfastly refused. Tarleton then famously rode on horseback for an astonishing 54 hours straight, covering 105 miles, to catch up with Buford’s retreating column. The stage was set for a devastating showdown.
Underestimating the sheer speed and ability of Tarleton’s feared Green Dragoons, Buford disastrously ordered his line to withhold their fire until the charging cavalrymen were at a mere ten yards’ distance. This proved to be a fatal mistake as the horsemen immediately overran Buford’s line. At the memorial, we learned that many of these Patriot troops, though part of the Continental Army, were new recruits and lacked the expertise and innate ‘battle sense’ of more seasoned veterans. To exacerbate the problem, Tarleton was shot off his horse. Loyalists, mistakenly believing their commander was dead, sabered and bayoneted the Continentals without remorse. At one point, a Patriot officer attempted to surrender, but the British soldiers lacked the authority to authorize terms, further escalating the confusion and brutality. A few Patriots fled, but most continued to fight, and only by sheer luck did Colonel Buford himself escape on horseback.
British casualties were indeed minimal—only five killed and fourteen wounded—while American losses were tragically substantial: 113 killed, 150 wounded (many of whom later died), and 53 taken prisoner.
Paying Homage to the Fallen:
The Memorial Site and Battlefield are preserved in part by the Friends of Buford’s Massacre Battlefield. They have a phenomenal website that provides insight into the history of the battled and preservation efforts.
The memorial includes historical markers detailing the battle and what happened on May 29,1780 as well as the memorial and gravesite of the around 150 dead from the battle. This mass grave is a poignant reminder of the struggle and tragedy of war. Freedom is not free.
Standing at the memorial site was incredibly sobering. I took a moment to sit near the burial ground and say a Divine Mercy Chaplet. When we think about the Revolutionary War, it’s easy to just recall 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, which was indeed critical. However, it was in brutal battles like this that the war was truly fought—in blood and profound sacrifice. We owe so much to these brave men for fighting for American Independence.
One of the flags at the memorial site is a replica of the one used by the 2nd Brigade, which famously bears the word “Perservando.” Tarleton himself took the original flag as a battle trophy, and it remained in his family for over 200 years until his ancestor eventually auctioned it off for a significant sum. It was purchased by a private buyer, and it strikes me as quite odd that such a significant historical artifact wouldn’t have been given to a museum.
As I was paying my respects at the memorial, none other than Banastre Tarleton’s men stopped by, as one reenactor humorously put it, to ‘return to the scene of the crime.’ While I wouldn’t personally want to portray Banastre Tarleton, someone has to—otherwise, we couldn’t have the reenactment! It certainly brought history to life!
After paying our respects at the memorial, we headed over to the recreation complex for the reenactment. The weather was undeniably hot and humid, yet the crowds and reenactors seemed unfazed as the event kicked into high gear. Several hundred history enthusiasts came to watch, including many enthusiastic elementary and middle schoolers. Prior to the battle, we even got to hear from none other than President George Washington himself! While Washington wasn’t present in the Waxhaws for this particular battle, the ‘President’ spoke about his ‘Southern Tour’ (took place in 1791 after he became president) and expressed his thanksgiving for the men and women of the Waxhaws who fought for liberty through their sacrifice in the Southern Theater. A local historian and expert on the battle also gave a compelling speech, explaining what happened on that fateful May 29th, 1780.
He offered a more gracious interpretation of Tarleton than some historians, explaining that Tarleton’s horse had been injured during the battle, causing him to fall. His men, thinking he was injured, became confused. Patriots attempting to surrender approached a British soldier with no authority to authorize terms, further escalating the chaos. The historian suggested that the ‘no-quarter’ outcome wasn’t necessarily intended by Tarleton but rather stemmed from the intense confusion and heat of battle. That being said, Banastre Tarleton certainly didn’t mind his nickname ‘The Butcher’ and reportedly felt it enhanced his stature as a Lieutenant Colonel. Either way, the fact that the British continued to slaughter men who tried to surrender remains, in my opinion, deplorable.
The explosive reenactment lasted about thirty minutes. A Revolutionary War buff sitting beside me mentioned that the reenactors use black powder and a cloth or paper wad, but no bullets, to simulate the firing of the original weapons. These replicas are designed to fire blanks, but they still created a loud bang that startled onlookers at first. The reenactors did an amazing job playing their roles, especially when they ‘died’ on the battlefield. I can’t imagine staying so still for so long! From my understanding, the majority of the reenactors were volunteers, each with their own unique passion for history and expertise about various parts of the war for the Carolinas and beyond. I’m so grateful to them for giving their time and expertise to make this happen.
The battle reenactment concluded by three o’clock, at which time my mom and I drove back to Waxhaw, NC, to The Museum of the Waxhaws where a living history fair was underway.
There, we toured the museum, met vendors, and chatted with living historians specializing in colonial and American Revolution-era trades, such as clothes making for soldiers, baking, and various crafts. Stay posted for a more detailed feature on this amazing museum that tells the story of The Waxhaws from the prehistoric people including the Catawba who live in the region today, early settlers to the Revolutionary War and Civil War and the textile and railroad industries. So much to learn and explore. I highly recommend you follow their facebook pages Waxhaws History and Museum of the Waxhaws for daily doses of amazing history and fun events.
The museum closed at five o’clock, so my mom and I stopped for a much-needed caffeine pick-me-up at an amazing local spot called Crossroads Coffee in Waxhaw. We split a milkshake and latte and chai tea – the perfect refreshment after a day on the battlefield.
With several hours of daylight still remaining, we decided to drive about thirty minutes northwest to another bucket-list site of mine: James K. Polk’s birthplace and childhood home site in Pineville, NC, just outside of Charlotte. (I’ll dedicate an entire post to this site as well!) The Visitor’s Center was closing, but the grounds remained open, allowing us to explore many of the historical sites and learn about the 11th president.
As we learned in our post about Columbia, TN, Polk made his career in Tennessee before becoming President in 1845. He was a friend and admirer of Jackson’s political leanings and is known for being the only president who kept all of his campaign promises, most notably acquiring Texas. Stay tuned for more about this important site in a future post!
While hunger pangs were starting to kick in, my mom and I decided to pack in one more detour before sunset. We took a scenic route to Landsford Canal State Park. I had read an article about this beautiful state park in a brochure at our hotel and was eager to enjoy the sunset there. Landsford Canal State Park is a true gem on the Catawba River. This park tells the story of an important canal that facilitated river trade despite challenging rapids, saving time for early traders navigating the river system. Today, it’s known for its natural beauty and its unique Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. The park also boasts numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a spot for swimming. I definitely hope to return when we have more time – it truly is a beautiful place.
Sunday, June 8th: A Detour to Historic Brattonsville
While at the Battle of the Waxhaws reenactment, a local enthusiastically recommended we take time to visit another important Revolutionary War site: Historic Brattonsville. This is where, in July 1780, the sky truly ‘rained militia’ as a fierce British Loyalist leader named Christian Huck was decisively defeated by Patriot militiamen. Today, you can tour the expansive grounds, which encompass over 300 years of history, from Native American presence to the generations of the Bratton family who lived and worked on this plantation.
During the Revolutionary War, Martha Bratton became a true folk hero for her remarkable defiance and bravery against the British, acts which significantly contributed to the victory against Christian Huck’s men. On July 11, 1780, when the British arrived at the Bratton house in search of her husband William, a colonel in Thomas Sumter’s Militia, Martha sent an enslaved African American named Watt with a message to her husband, informing him of the British presence. A British officer then demanded that Martha reveal her husband’s location. When she steadfastly refused, he threatened to decapitate her. Asked again, her legendary reply was, ‘I told the simple truth and could not tell if I would; but I now add, that I would not if I could!’
However, the site also holds a tragic history tied to slavery and early prejudices, which I’ll delve into in a future, dedicated blog post about this incredibly important site.
Brattonsville is an absolute MUST-SEE for any history buff. It is a treasure that is unequivocally worth detouring for! The staff were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, and I genuinely can’t wait to return in the future. Plan your visit here
We finished up our time in this area of South Carolina with a quick visit to York, SC, a town truly steeped in history. In April 1865, CSA President Jefferson Davis fled from Brattonsville (where he was staying) through York SC...
Stay tuned for a blog post focused entirely on York County, SC!
On Sunday evening, we ventured to Salisbury, NC, for the night, eager to explore its rich Revolutionary War history and attend a wonderful art exhibit at the Water Works Art Gallery in downtown Salisbury. More on the second leg of our adventures in a future post!
Next up, I’ll dive deeper into fun things to do specifically in the Waxhaws and explore its history even further, before we officially head onto Salisbury, NC, and eventually Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro.
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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