The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust (SCBPT) works to protect and preserve battlefields and military historic sites in South Carolina, as well as to interpret and educate the public about the state's military history.
South Carolina's historic battlegrounds represent past sacrifices made by countless individuals and serve as a reminder of our state's significant contribution to the founding and development of the nation. Preserving these sites ensures they are protected and maintained for future generations so that all may reflect and remember.
We use various tools and historical methods to locate and preserve historic military sites. Learn more about our work.
When determining which battlegrounds to preserve, we assess a number of criteria, including historical significance, the level of threat a particular piece of land is facing, and the value to the community of preserving the land.
The SCBPT has helped preserve a number of significant historic battlegrounds in South Carolina, including the Battle of Parker’s Ferry, the Battle of Hanging Rock, and the Battle of Eutaw Springs. We are currently working in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust to preserve the historic Liberty Trail, and are hard at work on our Camden Burials Project.
The SCBPT is funded by state, local, and other grants and commissions, as well as by donations from people like you. Learn how you can get involved.
You can protect a historic military site on your property by granting a conservation easement to the Battleground Trust. This legally binding agreement allows the landowner to retain ownership and control, but you agree to eliminate some uses of the land that may result in damage to or destruction of the historic assets. You retain the right to use your property and to sell, lease or bequeath the property to your heirs.
A conservation easement is perpetual. The terms of the easement will apply to any future owners of the property.
Yes, there are significant tax incentives for donating a conservation easement. Further, an easement that is granted upon your death will significantly reduce any estate tax due. We encourage you to consult your legal and tax advisors before proceeding with the donation of a conservation easement. Learn more about helping us preserve land.
No. Unless intended by you, granting a conservation easement does not require public access.
You can preserve an important historic site by donating your property or the specific portion containing the historic assets to the Battleground Trust. This ownership transfer is a legally binding agreement that protects the property in perpetuity. You will receive significant tax benefits from such a donation. Learn more about helping us preserve land.
