Why Is the Town Called Ninety Six?

Located in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina, the town of Ninety Six is located in Greenwood County. The town was established in 1730 in the backcountry at the crossroads of an important trade route. It derived its name from traders believing that it was 96 miles to the nearest Cherokee settlement of Keowee.

What was the significance of the Battle of Ninety Six?

Ninety Six proved to be a strategic location in the Revolutionary War. The first land battle south of New England was fought here in 1775. Later in the war, Ninety Six figured prominently in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.In 1780, the British fortified the strategically important frontier town.

What happened at the Battle of 96?

American storming parties tore apart loyalist sandbags and captured both forts with supporting fire from snipers in a tower on the American lines. The stubborn redcoats rallied, however, and retook the forts with bayonets and clubbed muskets. Greene broke off the attack and withdrew, ending the siege.