Congaree Swamp National Monument The monument rests on a floodplain of the Congaree River and is not a true swamp. This remnant preserves, in a wilderness state, the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The monument was authorized as a unit of the National Park Service on October 18, 1976.
Three features give national significance: some of the tallest trees in the East with one of the highest canopies in the world, broad biodiversity, and old-growth forest. The monument is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, National Natural Landmark, Wilderness Area, and "Globally Important Bird Area."
Cowpens National Battlefield Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. On this field on January 17, 1781, Daniel Morgan led his army of tough Continentals, militia and cavalry to a brilliant victory over Banastre Tarleton's force of British regulars. The battle at the "Cow Pens" is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution.
Coming on the heels of a patriot victory at nearby Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, it was the second successive staggering defeat for British forces under General Charles Cornwallis. Only nine months after the Battle of Cowpens, Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781.
Fort Moultrie National Monument Fort Moultrie's history covers 171 years of seacoast defense, including the first decisive victory in the American Revolution and the firing onto Fort Sumter during the first battle of the Civil War. The third Fort Moultrie, built in 1809, stands today. By touring the fort, visitors can see how coastal defenses have evolved.
Fort Sumter National Monument The first engagement of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter on April 12 and 13, 1861. After 34 hours of fighting, the Union surrendered the fort to the Confederates. From 1863 to 1865, the Confederates at Fort Sumter withstood a 22 month siege by Union forces. During this time, most of the fort was reduced to brick rubble. Fort Sumter became a national monument in 1948.
Francis Marion-Sumter National Forests Located in South Carolina, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass about 612,500 acres. The forest includes the southern Appalachian Mountains at 3,300-feet elevation, the rolling terrain in the middle of the state, and the flat, sea-level plains near the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
J. Strom Thurmond Lake This is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land which provides for an abundance of recreational opportunities. The Corps operates ten Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas as well as many other camping, picnicking and recreational facilities. To make campground reservations on Thurmond Lake dial 1-877-444-6777 or on the web at www.ReserveUSA.com. J. Strom Thurmond Lake provides excellent striper and black bass fishing and its large wildlife management program provides some of the best hunting and wildlife observation opportunities in the South. The adjacent area abounds with historical and geological sites. The Visitor Center, located at the South Carolina end of the dam, contains numerous exhibits and additional information on the lake and the surrounding area.
