The Laurens County Battles of Fort Williams: The Most Contested Site in the American Revolution

Nestled between Mountville, Cross Hill, and Newberry County, near a modest creek, lies the historic location of Fort Williams. Known as the most contested site in America during the American Revolution, Fort Williams changed hands six times throughout the conflict. This significant site, hidden in Laurens County’s landscape, holds a pivotal place in the history of the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.

Historian and battlefield preservationist Durant Ashmore will shed light on this crucial chapter in American history during a special presentation on Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 pm at the Laurens County Museum, located at 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC. The public is warmly invited to attend. Museum members and those 18 years old and under can enjoy the event free of charge, while others are encouraged to make a suggested donation of $5 to support the museum’s ongoing efforts.

Ashmore highlights the elusive nature of Fort Williams’ exact location. Despite the ambiguity, General James Williams’ biography, Backcountry Revolutionary by Will Graves, chronicles the fort’s role in the war. James Williams, a prominent figure in the Southern Campaign, was a pioneer in the Ninety Six District, a miller, and a member of the Provisional Assembly before the war. His valor and leadership on the battlefield were instrumental, though he ultimately fell at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

The Laurens County Museum’s exhibit hall is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information on museum membership, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming programs, please contact the museum at (864) 681-3678, visit their website at LaurensCountyMuseum.org, or check their Facebook page.