Kings Mountain National Military Park, in Blacksburg, South Carolina, commemorates an important American victory over the British during the Revolutionary War.
The British military campaign in the northern colonies had reached a stalemate, so they turned their military efforts toward the South.
The British were successful in capturing the port city of Charleston, South Carolina, and began to move north into the Carolina upcountry.
American Patriots from the frontier came over the mountains in pursuit of the British, who were led by Major Patrick Ferguson.
He had recruited a group of approximately 1,000 American Loyalists to fight against the Patriot militia.
Patriot forces pursued Ferguson's forces to the ridge top at Kings Mountain.
On October 7, 1780 the Patriots attacked up both sides of the ridge, trapping the Loyalists.
The battle took one hour, with Patriot forces losing only 28 men.
Loyalist forces lost 225 men, including Major Ferguson, and had 716 captured.
The battle was America's first major victory after the British invasion of Charleston.
Thomas Jefferson called the battle "the turn of the tide of success.
" The park's Visitor Center shows a 26-minute film "The Battle of Kings Mountain," which gives an overview of the battle.
The park museum contains artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the battle and the people involved.
Visitors will be able to see an original Ferguson rifle, one of the few in museum collections.
The British commander at Kings Mountain is best known for the rifle he produced.
The breech-loading rifle loaded from the rear and did not require a ramrod.
It could be loaded while lying down or crouching, which was not possible with traditional muzzle loading rifles.
Only about 100 of the rifles were ever produced.
Children may pick up a Junior Ranger Kit at the Visitor Center.
Upon completion of the activity book, they can get a patch, badge, and certificate.
The Visitor Center also has a bookstore.
There are several hiking trails in the park.
The 1.
5 mile Battlefield Trail allows visitors to see both perspectives of the battlefield.
Exhibits highlight battle events, and the trail passes Centennial Monument, U.
S.
Monument, and Ferguson's grave.
Although the trail is paved, it is steep in places.
There are three backcountry trails that wind through the park and into the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park.
Backcountry hikers must register at the Visitor Center.
There are also 16 miles of horse trails.
Kings Mountain is located off Highway 216 near Blacksburg.
The park is open daily from 9am-5pm, with extended weekend hours during the summer.
Admission is free.
Picnic areas are available, but there are no concessions in the park.