We’re continuing our adventures in the Carolina Waxhaws region with a tour of Lancaster County, a place steeped in Revolutionary War history, natural beauty and quaint small towns worth exploring. Located on the border of North and South Carolina, south of the Charlotte metro region, Lancaster County’s scenery is cut by the mighty Catawba River and defined by fertile fields, lush forests and ambling scenic byways following ancient indian trading paths and the same routes Revolutionary War soldiers trod in the battle of American Independence.
In today’s post I’ll highlight Must-See Highlights in Lancaster County and provide resources to help make your Lancaster trip memorable as well.
Digging into Lancaster’s History: ‘The Garden of the Waxhaws’
In our previous posts we spent time learning about the history of the area known as the Waxhaws. This area of North and South Carolina stretches from just below Charlotte in the North to Monroe NC in the East and Lancaster County SC in the south. It is a dynamic region threaded together through time from Native American history to early European settlement to Revolutionary War battles, the tragedy of the Civil War to its resurgence as a hub for textiles and industry to its present – an area with deep roots and a future on the rise.
As we mentioned in our Waxhaw post, the area gets its name for an early tribe, The Waxhaw that lived in the region in longhouses and were known for having flatheads (a harmless process by putting light sacks on a child’s head at birth to flatten the forehead). They spoke a Siouan speaking language and were some of the original guardians of this land, along with the Catawba Indians who still live in the area today. Sadly due to the Yamasee War in 1715-1717 and lack of immunity to European viruses like smallpox, the Waxhaw died out and/or assimilated into other tribes. Yet their memory remains in the archaeological artifacts still found tracing back to their life here, and the place name itself.
The Catawba have lived in this area for centuries and you can discover their living history at a number of important Lancaster County sites, including the Native American Studies Center at USC Waxhaw and also in neighboring York County at the Catawba Indian Culture Center.
By the mid-1700s the Scots-Irish and English settlers immigrated to the area, which they dubbed the ‘Garden of the Waxhaws,’ many of these early settlers were Presbyterians. They built a strong resilient community tied to their ancestral roots and the promise of a brighter future in America. Among those early families were Andrew Jackson’s parents, Andrew Sr. and his wife Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson and also her sister and brother-in-law the Crawfords.
During the early days of the American Revolution, this region of South Carolina was divided by Loyalists, Patriots, and a large contingent of neutral Scots-Irish that didn’t want to get involved. This was partially given memories of the Scottish rebellion against the British at Culloden that resulted in a massive defeat for the Scots in 1746 (in Scotland), but more importantly, this area of South Carolina was considered the backcountry. Many of the locals were frustrated because the capital of Charleston largely ignored their cries for help when it came to protection against various backcountry threats (Native American skirmishes, lawless highwaymen) and a lack of provision for essential services like judges and courts. They felt the war was being waged not for them, but for the elite on the eastern part of the state. Many preferred to focus on their own daily lives and ignore the conflict, while others were ardent patriots and ready to fight. This created friction among the otherwise tightly knit communities.
When in late 1779, General Clinton decided to adopt a Southern Strategy to target the Carolinas, neutrality would become less of an option. Clinton and Cornwallis believed that the majority of backcountry Carolinians were sympathetic to the British cause and also there would be large Loyalist support upon their arrival. They could then train militias of Loyalists to help take hold of the Carolinas, allowing the British forces to then move back up into the north and Washington would be sandwiched between British strongholds in the North and South.
At first this Southern Strategy worked. Charleston, a hotbed for Patriot fervor and a critical Patriot seaport, was sieged in early 1780. After essentially being starved out, it finally surrendered, and many patriotic leaders, including my ancestor Declaration of Independence Signer Thomas Heyward Jr., were taken prisoner. Losing Charleston was a shocking blow to the Continental forces, not only in manpower, but also in loss of supplies and the port itself.
After taking control of Charleston, Clinton returned to his home base in New York, while General Lord Cornwallis took command. It was then when the British plans for a Loyalist uprising and backcountry support became muddied. After the fall of Charleston, General Cornwallis ordered his Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Green Dragoons to chase down a force of Virginia Continentals under Colonel Abram Buford who had come from the north to help support the Continentals in Charleston, only to realize it was too late. They then were turning around trying to make it to the patriot center in Hillsborough, NC. Buford and his men made it as far as Lancaster County when they met up with Tarleton in present-day Lancaster SC (town). The battle was bloody with Tarleton’s men butchering the Continentals with bayonets and flares of gunfire. The Continentals tried to surrender, but Tarleton’s men continued to kill the Continentals.
This ‘No Quarter’—meaning no mercy or refusal to accept surrender, a brutal dismissal of traditional war protocol at that time—left over 100 dead and countless injured. Locals rushed to help carry the injured to local homes and the Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Meeting House for care. The brutality and lack of ‘no quarter’ incensed even the most neutral citizens in the Carolina backcountry. A rallying cry spread out across the Carolinas into modern-day Tennessee and southwestern Virginia about “Bloody Ban” and “Butcher Ban.” This anger at Tarleton’s no quarter actually stirred many Over Mountain Men to join the Patriot cause and help turn the tide of the war against the British at King’s Mountain in October 1780, and later Cowpens in 1781, and Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro, NC in March 1781 that finally pushed Cornwallis to Virginia and his demise at Yorktown in October 1781.
Interestingly enough, South Carolina had over 200 skirmishes and major battles in the American Revolution, including many that took place in Lancaster County like the Battle of the Waxhaws (Buford’s Massacre) and Battle of Hanging Rock. We’ll dive into these historic sites later in the post.
In the early years of the United States of America, the county of Lancaster was heavily tied to agriculture. The county seat, originally known as Barnettsville, was renamed Lancaster in 1802. Downtown Lancaster City has an amazing collection of historic buildings, including the Old Jail and Courthouse, several of which were designed by or inspired by famed South Carolina architect Robert Mills.
Mills is considered one of the first great truly American architects. He studied under Thomas Jefferson and it was Mills who designed the Washington Monument.
During the Civil War, Sherman’s forces occupied Lancaster in 1865. Thankfully, however, it escaped the intense burning that many other Georgia and South Carolina towns and plantations faced in the wake of the horrors of war. Sherman himself said ‘War is Hell,’ and while I’ve grown up hearing curses of the damage inflicted on my ancestors’ land, the cost of the Civil War certainly bears a scar we hopefully can overcome. In a recent lecture on Sherman’s March to the Sea, I found his logic particularly interesting: he believed that by destroying infrastructure through burning, it would ultimately cause less loss of life than prolonged traditional battles, arguing that houses can be rebuilt but lives lost in battle cannot be revived. It is a controversial period of a tragic war. Places like Lancaster County bring these stories alive so history and heritage can help us create a better future for all.
In the years following the Civil War, this area of South Carolina became an important epicenter in the Cotton Milling Industry. In 1895, Colonel Leroy Springs founded the Springs Cotton Mill, an industrial enterprise that grew to become the purported largest textile plant in the world. Global in scope, Springs Industries shaped the fortunes of Lancaster for over 100 years. You can peer into this part of Lancaster history in the Springs Block along Main Street in downtown Lancaster City.
Today, Lancaster County has retained its moniker as ‘Garden Spot of the Waxhaws’, a place where you can drive ambling backroads, stroll down historic main streets, and travel through time from Native American cultures to Revolutionary War reenactments and into the present day. Lancaster County is also a haven for nature lovers with amazing parks and trails ready for exploration.
Fun Things to Do in Lancaster County
Whether you are looking for a Revolutionary Weekend or a relaxing day at the park – Lancaster has you covered.
Revolutionary War Trails: Where Patriots Tread
Lancaster County is the perfect destination to celebrate America’s Revolutionary War past. Much of the backcountry action took place in and around Lancaster County. In honor of America 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence, Lancaster County is constantly sponsoring tons of local events through Lancaster County 250.
Here are a few must see Revolutionary War sites in Lancaster Country:
Andrew Jackson State Park – Get To Know America’s 7th President: Just south of the North Carolina border, nine miles north of Lancaster City, this amazing state park is spread across 360 scenic acres, where you can travel through time to learn about Andrew Jackson’s early life in the Waxhaws. Jackson was born near the state park site in 1767 to Scots-Irish immigrant parents Andrew Jackson Sr. and Elizabeth Hutchinson. At the time the North Carolina and South Carolina border was disputed, so both states still claim him as their native son to this day. I’ll plead the fifth and just say he is a Carolina born President who made a career in Tennessee.
The state park focuses on telling the story of Andrew Jackson’s formative years growing up in the Waxhaws and the hardships and triumphs that helped him to become Old Hickory.
Tragically, his father died just a few months before Andrew’s birth. Elizabeth, his mother, had to draw upon 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.
Begin your visit at the Park Museum, thoughtfully situated within a reconstructed log house reminiscent of the Jacksons’ original home on the property. Inside, the exhibits offer a comprehensive look at Andrew Jackson’s remarkable life journey: from his early years on the Crawford Farm to his challenging Revolutionary War years, through his legendary triumph as the “Hero of New Orleans” in the War of 1812, to his influential role as the “voice of the Common Man” and presidential legacy.
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. The museum also houses several important artifacts tied to Jackson and his life – you can even see a piece of his hair!
The Jacksons during the American Revolution.
When you visit the Park Museum, prepare to delve into the profound impact the Revolutionary War had on Andrew Jackson’s teenage years. His family was irrevocably shaped by the conflict. 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. Though both boys tried to hide, they were captured and sent to British-held Camden – a location we actually visited in December 2024 (you can read more about that trip on the blog!). 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 Camden that young Andrew and Robert were imprisoned, alone and away from their mother. During one harrowing instance, a British officer demanded Andrew clean his boots – a demand the fourteen-year-old vehemently refused, asserting his rights as a prisoner of war. Enraged, the officer violently raised his saber. Andrew, quick to react, raised his left hand, blocking the blade and receiving a severe, lifelong scar on his hand and face, an act that undoubtedly saved his life. Robert, however, was not so fortunate; a blow to his head severely injured him, and he later tragically succumbed to smallpox contracted during his imprisonment and the harsh conditions, rather than directly from the saber wound. This chilling account truly illustrates the level of brutal violence British troops were willing to mete out in the backcountry, even against a fourteen-year-old, only further inflaming regional anger.
Before the British evacuated Camden in April 1781, Andrew’s mother, Elizabeth, was able to negotiate a prisoner exchange for her sons. Tragically, Robert succumbed to his illness no sooner were they released. Driven by immense 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, Elizabeth herself 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.
Following the Revolution, at age 17, Jackson moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, to study law and sit for the bar. You can learn about Jackson’s time in Salisbury at the Rowan County Museum of History (stay tuned for an upcoming visit to Salisbury)
After finishing his law studies in1788, he had relocated to what would become Tennessee, living in areas like Jonesborough and frequently visiting Greeneville before ultimately settling in Nashville.
In Nashville, Jackson’s 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 because it vividly brings to life the story of Jackson: not only as the formidable Military Commander and the President of the Common Man, but also the complexities and tragic decisions surrounding The Trail of Tears.
Andrew Jackson State Park similarly excels at weaving together Jackson’s complex legacy, from his humble beginnings in the Waxhaws to his leadership as the Common Man’s President, acknowledging his profound and tragic role in the Trail of Tears
Beyond the museum, you can truly put yourself in young Andrew’s shoes, experiencing a glimpse of what life would have been like in his youth. The park features a replica schoolhouse, similar to the one he would have attended at age nine with his cousin, William Crawford when they moved in with James Crawford’s brother, Robert Crawford, who was one of the most successful planters in the region.
Also on site, you can explore 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.
Beyond the historical insights, Andrew Jackson State Park also offers a variety of fun things to do from museums and living history bringing the story of Andrew Jackson to life, as well as outdoor recreation including hiking trails, camping, and a 20 acre lake with an island. Don’t be surprised to spot area wildlife here like deer as you meander the grounds. It is the perfect spot to go birdwatching.
Plan your visit here (Admission was only $3.00 for the day – and we purchased our tickets online. You can purchase onsite as well)
Battle of Waxhaws Historic Site and Memorial (Buford’s Massacre Site)
In June I had the opportunity to attend a reenactment of the Battle of the Waxhaws at the right next to the original battleground in Lancaster. This event, sponsored by the Friends of Buford’s Massacre Site and Museum of the Waxhaws brought to life the story of this pivotal battle in the American Revolution.
Recap of the Battle:
On May 12th, 1780, Charleston fell to the British under Generals Clinton and Cornwallis. Clinton returned to New York, putting Cornwallis in charge of the Southern Theater. When Cornwallis learned that a Virginia brigade of the Continental Army, which had been sent to help the now defeated Continental Army at Charleston, was retreating with artillery west towards the Waxhaws, Cornwallis ordered Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Green Dragoons to chase down Colonel Abraham Buford’s force. Lt. Colonel Tarleton sent a messenger ahead, demanding the Continentals surrender or be forced to fight. Buford rejected surrender. Tarleton, who rode a furious 100 miles in 54 hours caught up with Buford and his men, and on May 29th, 1780, they met in a field near present-day Lancaster City on the Rocky River Road.
Buford told his men to wait to fire until Tarleton’s men were at close distance. This strategy accounted for the limited range of weaponry at the time. However, Buford miscalculated the speed of Tarleton’s mounted dragoons, and his men were suddenly overwhelmed by the enemy. Many historians have dubbed this “Buford’s folly” for not being better prepared for the Light Dragoons’ agility and speed, especially with their bayonets. With American rifles taking up to forty-five seconds to load, Buford’s order to hold fire aimed to maximize their initial volley.
During the chaos, Tarleton’s horse was shot, and Tarleton fell as a result. Many of his men thought he was dead, which only fueled their vehemence in the battlefield. An American soldier attempted to negotiate surrender, but approached a British officer without any real authority. The Americans kept calling for quarter—mercy to end the fight and initiate surrender without further death—but their calls went unanswered. Total American casualties were over 300, with 113 dead. Buford, in the confusion, managed to escape, but the field was left bloody by the sacrifice of his men. Only five British were killed and twelve wounded. The horror of the “no quarter” became a rallying cry in the Waxhaws and beyond, even propelling the patriots at King’s Mountain in their victory. Many called Tarleton a ‘butcher’ or ‘Bloody Ban.’ While Tarleton was undeniably arrogant, historians also clarify that the brutal ‘no quarter’ was likely a consequence of battlefield confusion, particularly after his horse was shot and his men believed him dead. Nevertheless, Tarleton embraced the chilling moniker of ‘The Butcher,’ even wearing it as a badge of honor, which undeniably speaks volumes about his character…
Today, you can visit both the Battlefield, which has been preserved by the Friends of Buford Massacre Battlefield in partnership with American Battlefield Trust. The field has an interpretive trail where you can learn about the fighting. The adjacent memorial site also has exhibits on Buford’s men, Tarleton, the Battle, and its impact on the American Revolution.
You can also pay homage to those who were killed in action and buried in a mass grave at this site. I made sure to say a prayer to remember their sacrifice.
At the Memorial you will notice a unique gold-yellow flag with Perservando written on it, which means to ‘Persevere’ in Latin. ‘Persevere until the yolk of British tyranny is finally overthrown.’ The original flag was captured by Tarleton in battle and stayed in his family as a ‘trophy’ of the war until it was auctioned off to an undisclosed buyer for millions by Sotheby’s in the early 2000s. The Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield reproduced Buford’s battle flag which today proudly flies over this grave site. The flag is flown to honor the 84 Continental soldiers who are buried here and now rest in eternity under their lost colors.Colors, or standards, embodied the spirit of the unit and its history. Soldiers took great pride in their flags and defended them unto death.
Planning your visit:
The Friends of Buford Massacre Battlefield Website provides extensive resources about the battle and information about reaching the Battlefield site.
The Battle Site Address: 262 Rocky River Road, Lancaster SC | The Buford Memorial site is located approximately nine miles east of the city of Lancaster on SC Highway 522, one quarter of a mile south of Highway 9.
Fun fact: Highway 522 follows the ancient path of an Indian Trading Route – lots of history in this part of Lancaster County.
Battle of Hanging Rock Historic Site:
Not to miss on the Lancaster County Revolutionary War trail is the Hanging Rock Historic Site. It was here on August 6th, 1780, that 600 Patriot militia under General Thomas Sumter (nicknamed the Gamecock) and William R. Davie (Father of the University of North Carolina) attacked a British defensive outpost at Hanging Rock, a crossroads between Camden, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Patriots surprised the relatively unprotected British forces, leading to a decisive Patriot victory, with 200 British troops under the command of Maj. John Carden either killed or wounded. Andrew Jackson, only thirteen at the time, and his brother Robert were both present at this battle. After the disaster at the Waxhaws, it gave the militia a renewed vigor.
Following the fall of Charleston in May 1780, the British began establishing a series of outposts like Hanging Rock. Their intention was to use these posts to restore Royal authority over South Carolina’s population and resources, eventually allowing Loyalist militia to take control and thus provide the British with greater agility in troop movements as needed.
Sumter’s strategy to reclaim South Carolina was to carry out these small calculated attacks on British outposts. Patriot forces realized they could win not always with might but rather savvy in weakening their opponent and spreading them thin. This savvy approach stemmed from Sumter’s confidence that the British would be unable to quickly assemble substantial numbers of troops to adequately defend any one outpost. His ultimate goal was to make it undesirable and unsustainable for them to remain at key strategic locations along the Santee and Wateree Rivers, such as Hanging Rock—a crucial crossroads between Camden, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Today, you can stop at a roadside memorial dedicated to the Battle of Hanging Rock. Each year, a commemoration event is usually held in August near the battlefield site. For 2025, the 245th Anniversary of the Battle of Hanging Rock is scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd. This event typically features Revolutionary War historians, costumed living-history interpreters, and a chance to walk the “Hanging on the Edge of Freedom” interpretive trail.
The marker itself is located in Heath Springs, South Carolina, in Lancaster County. It can be reached from Hanging Rock Road (State Highway 29-467), 0.8 miles east of Flat Rock Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker is within the Hanging Rock Battleground Property, which is managed by the South Carolina State Park Service
Cool Museums and Historic Sites:
Native American Studies Center: Located on the campus of USC Lancaster, this amazing museum shares the story of the Native American cultures of the Carolinas and beyond. The museum’s mission is to promote the documentation, preservation, appreciation of Native American cultures and heritages. The center has a wonderful collection of Native American art, artifacts and historical documents. They also have an archaeological lab on site, which helps to continue to study and reveal the stories of Native Americans in a thoughtful way. Website
Historic Downtown Lancaster: This charming area is home to numerous historic buildings, each an important thread in the city’s rich past. I recommend starting your Lancaster tour with a stop downtown at the Lancaster County Welcome Center, which has a museum and wonderful resources to help make your stay in Lancaster enjoyable. Across the street, you can tour the 1828 Historic County Courthouse, a notable work by famed South Carolina architect Robert Mills. Click here for a guide to historic sites in Lancaster.
Downtown Lancaster is home to many local shops and restaurants. It is a fun place to spend the afternoon, meandering the historic streets and grabbing a bite to eat.
Odd and Fun Fact: The original courthouse (on the same site as the current building) is said to be where the last “Witch Trial” case in America happened in 1813. There isn’t a ton of information about this case online, but apparently the witch turned a little girl into a horse and rode her into Lancaster and Kershaw to steal goods before turning her back again.
While in Lancaster check out Bob Doster’s world renowned sculpture studio. Working artists’ studio, gallery, and sculpture garden housed in a row of 1940s pool halls and cafes in the heart of the historic district in Lancaster, S.C. Tours, field trips and workshops available by one of South Carolina’s most prolific sculptors. Doster has worked with hundreds of thousands of students of all ages in S.C. and beyond, and his works are in private collections, galleries, museums, corporate & governmental settings worldwide. The galleries display Doster’s collection spanning more than 50 years and artists ranging from preschool students to the internationally known. Call for an appointment or look for the white pick-up truck out front! Website
Another cool small town in Lancaster County is Kershaw. I remember driving through Kershaw around Christmastime (en route to Columbia) and my mom and I commented how much it looked like a Hallmark movie come to life with their festive decorations and Georgian style architecture.
Heath Springs near the Battle of Hanging Rock is filled with history. Check out their website for the latest town happenings.
Hit the Trail – Natural Beauty Abounds in Lancaster Region:
Landsford Canal State Park: Technically just across the border in Chester County, this State Park is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts. A local recommended the park as a great spot for local scenery and the chance to see the world-famous Spider Lilies in bloom (typically late May to mid-June). Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are a rare, perennial flower (Hymenocallis coronaria) found in the southeastern United States. They are known for their large, white, spider-like blooms that appear in rocky shoals of rivers and streams during the spring.
This 448-acre park is cut through by the mighty Catawba River. This section of the Catawba was particularly rocky, requiring fording at certain portions and making it unnavigable for commercial boats. However, in the 1820s, a unique canal was developed, allowing commercial vessels to use this part of the river and greatly improving trade efficiency in the area. Today, you can hike an easy 1.5-mile Canal Trail along the river’s edge, learning about the canal network along the way. Many of the original canal works are still visible, making this a scenic and fascinating spot to explore. Other historical markers in the park shed light on the Native Americans, like the Catawba Indians, who lived in the area and crossed not far from the main trail site. This portion of the river was also used as a ford (crossing) site by both British troops under General Lord Cornwallis and the Americans under General Thomas Sumter. During the Civil War, the river was used by Sherman’s troops. So, each step you take at Landsford moves you through time.
The park’s scenery is peaceful, with tall trees providing shade, while the river’s babbling brooks hitting the rapids add drama to the landscape. This park’s convergence of forest, meadows, and river landscape brings together many types of plants and natural wildlife. Birdwatching is a popular pastime here, where you can see bald eagles and many other bird species depending on the migratory season. We even enjoyed ‘quacking’ with a family of ducks lounging by the riverside.
Families were having a ball at the playground and riverfront area. While they didn’t have swimming access, kids enjoyed being on the beach area and running around the playground.
With plenty of tables offering scenic views of the river, I highly recommend bringing a picnic – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to relax over lunch!
My mom and I enjoyed the trail access. We didn’t have time to do all the major trails, but we did hike most of the 1.5-mile Canal Trail. It was fairly flat and a good hike for kids and adults of all ages. It isn’t fully paved so bear in mind it’s easy on the feet but not fully accessible.
There is also a visitor center/museum on site with a cool gift shop.
Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve showcases the transitioning of the land from the Carolina Sandhills of the Coastal to the central portion of South Carolina to the emerging rocky outcroppings of the piedmont. This protected area spans 2,965 acres. The area includes unique rock formations like granitic flatrocks, waterslides, waterfalls, a beaver pond, caves and deep hardwood and pine forests. Area trails provide excellent panoramic views of the surrounding Sandhills.
About thirty minutes easy of Lancaster County you can enjoy a visit to the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge: The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, located in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, is one of the Southeast’s premier sites for viewing the rapidly diminishing longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem.
Lancaster County has a number of City and County Parks like Bear Creek Park, where you can relax creek side or check out the Carolina Thread Network of Trails for interconnected trails from Lancaster SC to Waxhaw NC. Check out a park guide here.
In Good Spirits: Local Wineries and Breweries
Laurel Haven Estate Winery: Situated on over 37 scenic acres, this family-owned vineyard invites guests to relax with a glass of wine while enjoying views of the working farm. The estate has a tasting room and bistro featuring eight distinct wine varieties, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay—all grown right here in Laurel Haven’s vineyard. The restaurant has an award-winning menu of farm-fresh favorites and delicious desserts that will entice any palate. They also have a relaxing bed and breakfast that offers the elegance of Southern refinement and gracious hospitality, making you feel right at home. Website
Benford Brewing: ‘South Carolina’s Agricultural Brewery Destination’ This Lancaster brewery is known for its delicious hand crafted beers and family friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a cold beer, while playing horseshoes, corn hole and listening to live music on select days. Website
Where to Eat:
We picnicked during our Lancaster visit, but I heard from locals that these are some great spots for local eats. I look forward to trying them next time I’m in Lancaster
Heath Springs Pizza – Multiple locals recommended this popular pizzeria in Lancaster County. They even have gluten free options (as a celiac this is just the dough I knead 🙂
Wagon Wheel: Wagon Wheel prides itself on fresh local produce sourced directly from the farmers market, alongside only the finest beef and seafood, and a fresh salad bar. Diners can enjoy a relaxing, down-home atmosphere that’s especially popular with families.
Grandma’s House Cafe: Enjoy delicious breakfast dishes from omelets to French Toast, along with sandwiches and southern home cooked goodness all day long.
For more formal dining, I recommend Laurel Haven Estate’s Bistro. They have won several awards for their fine dining and wines.
Lancaster locals – what are you favorite spots to eat (comment below)?
Where to Stay:
Lancaster County has several chain hotels that fit every budget. In this blog I wanted to take time to focus on unique local accommodations that bring the history and charm of Lancaster County to life.
Kilburnie Inn at Craig: History and Southern Comfort intersect at Kilburnie, The Inn at Craig Farm. This Federal-Style home was relocated to this site in the 1990s to preserve it from being torn down. The Craig Farm location positions Kilburnie right across from another Lancaster architectural wonder, the historic Craig House, which dates back to the 1770s.
Meticulously restored to its former glory, Kilburnie’s Palladian-inspired estate invites you into a gracious Southern experience, exuding elegance, excellence, and cozy comfort. The home, which dates to 1828, is believed to be one of the oldest structures remaining in Lancaster County. Innkeepers welcome guests with comfortable, period-style rooms that feature modern conveniences. Enjoy delicious meals on site, surrounded by the tranquility of the historic Craig Farm.
Laurel Haven Estate – We already introduced you to this gem earlier. I highly recommend staying on site as you can immerse yourself in the winery experience, surrounded by the natural garden like scenery of the Waxhaws.
Home Place Bed and Breakfast: Nestled in a country setting, this has been a home and farm since 1920. Five bedrooms and five private baths. Complimentary continental breakfast.
Inn Upon Moon River: Located about 25 miles west of the City of Lancaster, this is a highly recommended bed and breakfast that serves up soul and Southern hospitality. Located in the town of Chester with scenic views, this 1904 Southern-style historic home is themed around music and inviting comfort. Enjoy delicious breakfast on site and relax in the beautifully appointed rooms with scenic views.
Area Resources:
Lancaster is celebrating America 250 – Journey to the Declaration of Independence all year long with fun patriotic events and living history in the places where history was made. Follow them of facebook for the latest events or check out their webpage here
City of Lancaster Website
Olde English District: Lancaster is part of several communities known as the ‘Olde English District’ of South Carolina which have ties to early British western settlement, The American Revolution and Scots-Irish traditions.
In the area:
Visit Historic Waxhaw NC, just over the NC line
York County SC – we’ll be visiting York County in our next adventure. Here is a link to their official website
Chester County SC – Stay tuned for an upcoming visit to this part of SC – Official Chester County Chamber of Commerce Website
Stay tuned as we continue our SC adventures in York County where we’ll dive into Revolutionary and Civil War History at Brattonsville and tour the quaint city of York SC.
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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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