01/26/2021
Kershaw-Cornwallis House at Historic Camden, South Carolina.
The original house, built in 1777, was burned down during the Civil War, and reconstructed in the late 1970’s.
Camden was first home to the Cofitachequi Native Americans. In 1732, King George II decreed Camden as one of the nine British townships in South Carolina.
By the time of the Revolution, Camden had become the inland economic and cultural hub of the colony. In 1780, Lord General Cornwallis saw the importance of the town and established Camden as the Southern British Operation garrison and supply post. Cornwallis and his men used the mansion, now called the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, as their headquarters.
Two battles were fought in near Camden. The large Battle of Camden on August 16, 1780 and the smaller Battle of Hobkirk in 1781. The British won both of these battles, but left shortly after, destroying most of the town.
After the war, Camden was revitalized and again became an important trade and business destination for the colony.
Visit the gift shop first for information about the site and to purchase admission tickets. General admission includes access to the grounds, exteriors of the buildings, picnic tables, nature trails and restrooms. You may upgrade your ticket for a one-hour guided tour of the Kershaw-Cornwallis House. Guided tours are offered at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Historic Camden is about an hour and a half drive south of Uptown Charlotte.
