Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site

Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site marks the site of one of the Confederacy’s last stands against General William T. Sherman’s sweep across the South on February 2 & 3, 1865. Of all the Civil War Sites in South Carolina, the Battle of Rivers Bridge is the only one in the State Parks system that is home to a preserved battlefield. This 390-acre historic site includes the Civil War battlefield, an award-winning interpretive trail, memorial grounds and a rentable community building. Other activities include self-guided tours, birding, picnicking and programs held throughout the year.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact the park for information on tours.

Open 9am – sunset, daily. Free admission.

Hike

The Battlefield Trail is a little over a half a mile and moderate in difficulty. The trail begins at the gate and loops around the remains of the battleground breastworks. You will walk through an area where in 1865 outmanned Southern troops forces held the army of General Sherman for two days. The “Take a Walk with a Soldier” activity is great for first-time visitors. Grab a soldier’s card at the beginning of the Battlefield Trail, read about that soldier along with the waysides. After the walk, go to the casualties exhibit and find out your soldier’s fate. Bikes are not allowed on the Battlefield Trail.

The Historic Causeway Road Trail is straight, mile long, easy to hike forested trail that connects the Rivers Bridge Battlefield with the Rivers Bridge Civil War Memorial Grounds. It follows the route that the Confederate troops followed on Feb.3, 1865 in their retreat from the Rivers Bridge Battlefield to the railroad junction at Branchville S.C. Biking allowed.

The nature trail branches off the Historic Causeway Road Trail and winds through the old campground road. Enjoy 1.4 miles of easy path in the natural setting of a sandhills region forest with large pines, old hardwoods and small underbrush.

Events

The park hosts several special events throughout the month. Participate in Civil War style campfire cooking, try your hand at knot making, discover the medical uses of certain plants and learn just how important pets were during the Civil War. Check out our calendar for upcoming events.