Francis Marion Trail Commission
Berkeley County Trail
Of the four sites in Berkeley County, three are associated with controversial episodes in Francis Marion’s career: Quinby Bridge, where he vowed never again to work with Gen. Thomas Sumter, another Patriot militia leader; and Colleton House and Fort Fairlawn, where Marion’s men were accused of violating the rules of war. Also here is Wadboo Barony, site of Marion’s last encampment of the war. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Train Depot visitor center and gift shop in historic Moncks Corner; visit the church and gardens of Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery; and check out the many outdoor recreational activities in the Francis Marion National Forest.
Clarendon County Trail
The four sites in Clarendon County include two fine examples of the swampy wetlands that Francis Marion used to his advantage against his adversaries, the Santee Indian pyramid that British forces used as a fort, and an engagement in the Bridges Campaign, Marion’s famous running battle with Col. John Watson. Along the way, be sure to stop for a bite to eat in Manning’s vibrant downtown; see the beautiful Revolutionary War-themed murals on buildings in Manning, Summerton, and Turbeville; and stop at historic Liberty Hill African Methodist Episcopal Church near Summerton.
Pee Dee Trails
Encompassing portions of Florence, Marion, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties, the Pee Dee Tour includes eight sites along the Great Pee Dee River and several of its tributaries. Among the sites on this tour are the scenes of some of Marion’s first acts as a partisan leader at Witherspoon’s Ferry, Kingstree, and Black Mingo Creek, as well as one of his last, the signing of a peace treaty with a local Tory leader at Burch’s Mill. Along the way, stop for lunch or dinner at one of the nationally famous barbeque restaurants in Hemingway and Johnsonville; take a kayak out on the Lynches River or Black Mingo Creek; and stroll through the charming historic district of downtown Kingstree.