Chester County 250

Mission
The mission of the Chester County 250 Committee is to commemorate and promote Chester County’s role in the American Revolution by educating, engaging, and inspiring residents and visitors.

Vision
Our vision is to increase knowledge of the American Revolution in Chester County and inspire visitors to appreciate the area’s rich history.

Values
We are guided by inclusiveness, accuracy, thoroughness, objectivity, creativity, and empathy toward underrecognized groups. We are committed to presenting a complete and balanced historical perspective.

About the Committee

Representatives of the Chester County 250 Committee have met since early 2023 to organize efforts focused on celebrating and promoting the county’s role in the American Revolution. Our purpose is to plan and promote the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in Chester County.

We are researching and documenting information about the Revolution, including soldiers, citizens, significant places, and key events connected to Chester County. The committee is also partnering with local organizations, tourism groups, and the South Carolina 250 Commission to share ideas and develop meaningful projects.

Since 2024, we have hosted both small and large events, with a wide range ofprograms planned for this anniversary year.

Upcoming Events

Showing of “The Patriot”

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Time: 6:30 PM (Movie Starts at 7pm)

• Location: Great Falls War Memorial Building, 401 Dearborn Street, Great Falls, SC 29055

Join us for a special viewing of The Patriot — the film that brings the Revolutionary War to life, with much of it filmed right here in Chester County (rain or shine event).

As part of the evening, hear from a historian as they share the impact our county had during the Revolutionary War—reminding us that these stories didn’t just happen somewhere… they happened here. Then settle in for the film on a large 17’ x 10’ LED outdoor screen.

Please note: This film is rated R for war violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

Living History and Lantern Tour at Landsford Canal State Park

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

• Location: Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Drive, Catawba, SC 29704

• Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

As darkness falls over Landsford Canal State Park, follow the glow of lanterns and journey into the Revolutionary era. Along the trail, costumed interpreters will share stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times, bringing history to life through engaging living history scenes and character portrayals.

This immersive evening experience invites visitors to reflect on the people, places, and events that helped shape South Carolina's Revolutionary story while standing in a landscape that has witnessed centuries of history. Inspired by SC250's focus on connecting people to place and the stories of those who lived through the Revolution, the tour offers a unique opportunity to experience history in a new light.

Celebrating Past Events

The Patriot in Chester

A special showing of The Patriot was held at the Agribusiness Center in Chester on June 27, 2026, bringing Revolutionary War history to the big screen in a county where much of the film was made.

Before the movie, attendees heard from a historian about Chester County’s role in the Revolutionary War and the events that took place right here in our community. The evening offered a unique opportunity to connect the story portrayed in the film with the people, places, and history of Chester County.

Carolina Days

Carolina Days brought Revolutionary history to life at Union ARP Church on June 28, 2026. The afternoon honored local people and connections that helped shape America’s story through historical presentations, living history, monument dedications, blacksmith demonstrations, and period displays.

Historians shared the story of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island and highlighted the important connections between our own community and the fight for American independence. Visitors had the opportunity to experience history on the grounds where these stories continue to be remembered and preserved.

Women of the Revolution

Women of the American Revolution was held at Catholic Presbyterian Church on July 1, 2026, highlighting the often-overlooked roles women played in the fight for American independence.

Through first-person portrayals and historical storytelling, attendees learned how women served as messengers, caretakers, spies, supporters, and leaders during the Revolution. An afternoon tea complemented the program, offering a memorable opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifices, and contributions of women during this important period in American history.

Patriotic Laser Light Show

Chester County celebrated Independence Day with a Patriotic Laser Light Show at the Gateway Conference Center on July 4, 2026.

The evening brought the community together for family fun, food, music, and a professionally produced 40-minute laser show by Emerald Owl Productions. Brilliant beams of light choreographed to music filled the night sky as attendees gathered to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Chester County’s connection to the Revolutionary story.

The Declaration Experience

The Declaration Experience brought Revolutionary history to life at the Chester War Memorial Building on August 2, 2026, while highlighting the significance of one of America’s often-overlooked historic dates.

Through interactive presentations, historical portrayals, and hands-on activities, visitors explored the people and events surrounding the Declaration of Independence. Attendees heard the words that helped shape a nation, met figures from the Revolutionary era, and even added their signatures to a giant replica of the Declaration of Independence.

LASER LIGHT SHOW SPONSORS