The Power of our collective Heritage and the Super Bowl of Steeplechase
September 18, 2024
The Colonial Cup returns to Camden, S.C., Sunday, November 17, 2024
By Tom Mullikin
On Sunday, November 17, the “Super Bowl” of Steeplechase will return to the internationally renowned Springdale racecourse in Camden, S.C.
This is a key component of the Palmetto State’s heritage.
From the earliest days South Carolina has been known for its beautiful nature and environment.
In his inaugural address in 2023, Gov. Henry McMaster shared portions of a report dated June 9, 1739 and addressed to “His Excellency James Glen Esq. Capt. General, Governor, and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty’s province of South Carolina.” The report, published according to an Act of Parliament by B. Roberts & W.H. Toms, reads in part: “The Climate of Carolina… is extremely agreeable & wholesome &… may well be looked upon as the most temperate part of the habitable Earth … (I)t is the fairest & most fruitful Province belonging to Great Britain.”
The environment of South Carolina, from the mountains to the sea, with its legendary areas of beauty that we seek to protect have given rise to centuries of outdoor interests. Ecotourism and conservation are thus deeply embedded within the DNA of the Sandlapper, as we seek in every way to protect our state.
Globally, tourism is nearly a $7-trillion industry and here in South Carolina at $29-billion it is our leading industry. Ecotourism is now responsible for 25-percent of the sector and it is the fastest growing. Many areas of South Carolina are discovering that ecotourism is as great an economic driver as new manufacturers. In fact, many of our historically disadvantaged communities have begun to seize upon the great opportunities of ecotourism highlighting their beautiful rivers, lakes and trails.
As the oldest inland city in South Carolina, Camden has experienced an equally interesting and robust economic renaissance through its important history and its beautiful outdoors including the Wateree River, trails – including a relatively new spur of the famed Palmetto Trail, state park and lake. But the cornerstone of its economic revitalization is its internationally renowned equestrian community.
From the early days of the First Americans, Camden has provided ecosystems for one of the most powerful tribes of central South Carolina. Some of the state’s oldest prehistoric sites are in Kershaw County, including mounds, rock shelters, and Paleo-Indian artifacts. The massive Native American settlement of Cofitachiqui, with its temple mound capital outside Camden drew to our lush lands explorers like Hernando de Soto in 1540, Captain Juan Pardo in 1566 and 1568, and the Englishman Henry Woodward in 1670.
Former U.S. presidents have also ridden their horses through the streets of Camden including a young Andrew Jackson, a member of the historic S.C. State Guard, as well as the great outdoorsman and adventurer Theodore Roosevelt.
It is these significant historical moments, locations, and activities that we seek to preserve by bringing back the internationally acclaimed Colonial Cup.
Together in South Carolina we need to work to protect our ecology, our economy and our heritage. Please join us for the return of this great race on Sunday, November 17, 2024, and enjoy a small but important slice of what makes our state great.
For pricing, tickets, a great map, and much more visit https://carolinacup.org/colonial-cup-tickets-and-pricing/.
– Dr. Thomas Stowe “Tom” Mullikin [pictured] is a global expedition leader, attorney, university professor, former U.S. Army officer and retired two-star commander of the S.C. State Guard. He serves as chair of the gubernatorially established S.C. Floodwater Commission and he is the leader of the annual SC7 Expedition from the mountains of South Carolina to the sea. This year’s Colonial Cup is presented by Mullikin Law.
