Revolutionary Events Ahead
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
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
Admission is free!
Step back in time for an evening of living history at Landsford Canal State Park as Chester County 250 brings Revolutionary-era stories to life.
Visitors can experience guided tours featuring four living-history vignettes along a park trail. Tours will begin before sunset and continue into the evening, when low-level lighting along the trail will help guide the way and add to the historic atmosphere.
Guided tours will be offered throughout the evening. Guests will register for a tour time upon arrival.
Please be prepared for walking. The guided portion takes place along a park trail and includes approximately ¼ mile of walking round trip, with stops along the way for four living-history vignettes. Lighting along the trail will be limited after dark. Because of the trail setting, the guided portion may not be suitable for all mobility levels.
There’s plenty to experience beyond the guided tour! Near the ranger station, visitors can enjoy additional living-history and educational stations throughout the evening while waiting for their tour—or without taking the trail tour at all. These activities will be located in a more easily accessible area and are open to all event guests.
The evening will also feature two special presentations by representatives of the Catawba Nation, with guided tour times scheduled around the presentations.
Two food trucks will be on site with food available for purchase, so come early, explore the activities, enjoy supper and stay as the park transitions from daylight to lantern light.
This event is free and open to the public.
Be a part of it and experience Revolutionary history in a setting that connects the stories of the past with the landscape of Chester County.
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
