October 30, 2019

De​ar Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield,

Jim Abel and I and our spouses Dianne and Carol, had the good fortune to receive an invitation to the Liberty Trail kickoff event at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia. Thank goodness for a large tent as it was raining. We had the opportunity to meet many of the fine people and the organizations they represent that are leading South Carolina to reconsider the history of the American Revolution and now include the most important role that the peoples of the Palmetto state played in securing final victory. 

The concept of the Liberty Trail begins with the Establishment of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission that will mark the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.  The Commission is charged with the responsibility to plan and execute a proper observance of the American Revolution as it progressed in South Carolina. It will work with many other Commissions and organizations at all levels of government and the private sector to properly tell the story of the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.

This is the accomplishment of and result of the efforts of many people and private organizations that include: the American Battlefield Trust the South Carolina Battleground Trust, and the National Park Service, and includes the cooperation and active involvement of local and state government. While it has been in the works for several years, the Sestercentennial Commission was pleased to announce the formal launch of "The Liberty Trail of South Carolina," an ambitious program that will eventually encompass 70 of the most important and key battlefields in South Carolina.

We are all pleased that the Buford Massacre or the Battle of the Waxhaws is to be included in the first phase of the Liberty Trail. This is a great opportunity to showcase all of the work that has gone into creating a true memorial park to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers who fought and died here. Our work is far from over as with the help of our local and state partners we further develop the potential of the site. This vision includes a new parking lot and entrance to the battlefield and park, an interpretative and teaching center, walking trails, and the development of phone applications that will allow easy access to information regarding the battle and the individual stories of the men and women who were instrumental in it. 

The Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield should feel justifiably proud of the accomplishments and changes that have been made to the Buford Battlefield over the past several years. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit the site and see the completed brick paver walkways, the retaining walls and landscaping that have recently been completed. We thank all of the contractors involved who have done such a magnificent job at improving the site.

Perseverando,
Ken Obriot,
President, Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield