This is a remote park that is over an hour from any metropolitan area. This makes it all the more confounding that while there were some tours and other events of potential interest, they were not posted on the park's website so I only found out about them on site after it was too late. Exploring the site was difficult due to the robust biting insect population. I found an indoor cabin with some exhibitions about people who died in battle, which is certainly a subject that merits contemplation. Trying to actually walk on the trails proved untenable. To the limited point that I got there wasn't a ton to see. I could imagine that there is more to be done here. It wasn't the hottest day of the year by a long shot, but it still was hot enough to make me wish I'd diverted over during winter. read more

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Pretty far from the freeways and interstates, I was pleased to spot a "historic site ahead!" sign as I was passing through rural South Carolina. At 9am on a drizzly Saturday morning, I was the only visitor as I walked around under an umbrella and avoided the wet spots. The site is one of the last stands of the Confederacy against the overwhelming Union Army led by General Sherman during his march to the sea. It is the only state park in the South Carolina system that has a preserved battlefield. The battle took place on February 3, 1865 (the Appomattox surrender in Virginia was two months later, on April 9) with approximately 5,000 Union solders against 1200 Confederate soldiers. 18 Union soldiers were killed alongside 8 Confederates. It is generally considered a Union victory. The park includes a 3/4 mile trail that details the Battle of Rivers Bridge with captioned panels along the walk. Well-preserved earthworks here and there are worth checking out. I did not spot any Park Rangers giving tours but I was able to get the gist of it myself without help. It's quite rural. There are limited facilities - a few picnic shelters and almost no cellular signal. Still, worth a stop for the Civil War buff. [Review 19492 overall - 1064 in South Carolina - 462 of 2023.] read more

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Yesterday, I went to Rivers Bridge State Historical Site as part of my quest to visit all 47 South Carolina State Parks. Unlike most SC state parks, RBSHS isn't really a park; it's a memorial to a Civil War battle. Rivers Bridge State Historic Site marks the site of one of the Confederacy's last unsuccessful stands against General William T. Sherman. RBSHS includes a 0.75-mile guided trail that details the Battle of Rivers Bridge with many interpretive panels. The wonderful park ranger Kristi gave us a guided tour of the Civil War battle site. The site includes intact earthen fortifications. Apart from the battle site and earthworks, RBSHS has four historical cemeteries and a small interpretive relic room. There are indoor restrooms on-site. Bring your heavy-duty backwoods bug spray; the mosquitoes and biting flies are relentless and semi-immune to even large quantities of DEET. read more

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High marks!!! Ranger Russ was insightful and knowledgeable about the site. My team all spoke so highly about the tour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Eat lunch before ur visit. It's in a remote area read more

Rivers Bridge State Historical Site - My team during an offsite visit. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Ehrhardt, South Carolina

To me, Rivers Bridge State Historical Site was absolutely amazing. You can see the earthworks the Confederates dug and the ditches they stood in, only a bit worn down by time. You can stand by the river the Union soldiers waded (up to their armpits, ugh) and really imagine what it was like. I live close to Gettysburg and have been there often. People have been all over it many times since the battle. Rivers Bridge feels untouched. There are also some beautiful views on the path around the battlefield, a small museum and graveyard (not at the battlefield), restrooms and picnic tables, and a very helpful ranger. read more