About This Park - Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

[ Add to Trip Planner | Local Weather | Maps & Directions ]

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site’s peaceful setting in the Piedmont woods stands in sharp contrast to the bloody struggle waged there on Aug. 19, 1780. A group of 200 Patriot militiamen rode to strike what they thought was an equal number of Loyalists at Musgrove Mill on the Enoree River. Instead, they found themselves badly outnumbered, the Tories having been joined by 300 provincial regulars from the British post at Ninety Six.

Retreat was impossible, a frontal assault suicidal. So the Patriot forces took a strong defensive position and lured the Loyalists into a fierce fight that turned into a near rout after the British attack collapsed.

The park’s visitor center is filled with interpretive exhibits which focus on the Battle of Musgrove Mill and also detail South Carolina’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

The park’s nature trail highlights the Enoree River, Cedar Shoals Creek and Horseshoe Falls, where legend has it Mary Musgrove, the mill owner’s daughter, hid a Patriot soldier from the British. The park also offers picnicking and a popular fishing pond.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, located not far off Interstate 26 near Clinton, regularly holds special events, including reenactments and living history programs.

GENERAL

Must See: Yes
Designation: National Register
Counties: Laurens, Spartanburg and Union counties
Acreage: 360
When & How PRT Acquired: Acquired in 1975
Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.

HOURS

Admissions: Free admission
Days and Hours of Operation: Park Hours: 9am-6pm, daily

Visitor Center Hours: 10am-4pm M-F, 10am-5pm Sa-Su

LOCATION

Driving Directions: From I-26 Westbound: Take exit 52 for SC 56 Cross Anchor/Clinton. Turn right onto HWY 56 and drive north for 6 miles. The park entrance will be on the left.

From I-26 Eastbound: Take exit 38 for HWY 146 Cross Anchor. Turn left onto HWY 146. Drive east for 6 miles and turn right onto HWY 56. Drive south for three miles and the park entrance will be on the right.

From I-385: Take exit 54 for HWY 72 Clinton / Presbyterian College. Turn left onto HWY 72, cross over the interstate, and turn left and merge into I-26 West. Take the next exit, exit 52 for HWY 56 Cross Anchor/Clinton. Turn right onto HWY 56 and proceed north for 6 miles. The park entrance will be on the left.
Miles to Nearest Hospital: 16
Miles to Nearest Town: 5