Fort Ridgeway
September 5, 1781
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Thank you, Laurens County 250 Committee, for sharing this great video!
Fort Ridgeway was built on the land owned by Patriot Capt. John Ridgeway, and there were two actions here in 1781. On August 1, Loyalists attacked the fortification. Little is known about this incident except that the Loyalists won. On September 5, the fort was attacked again by Loyalists operating under the command of William "Bloody Bill" Cunningham. 10 Patriots were killed in this action, including Capt. Ridgeway. Captain Ridgeway fought at Musgrove Mill, Hammond’s Old Store, Fort Williams, and Cowpens, and he gave his life fighting for his own land. From here, Bloody Bill would take his attacking force on its “Bloody Scout” throughout South Carolina.
The exact location of this battle is unknown other than that it was near Dirty Creek and Rabon Creek, but tradition notes that Capt. John Ridgeway, whose family land the fort was built on, once escaped the Loyalists by jumping into the river. This places the fort on high ground overlooking the water.
 The Fort Ridgeway Site is located at Karl H. Dixon Memorial Park at Boyd's Mill Pond. There is also a boat ramp to access Boyd's Mill Pond at this location. |  The Fort Ridgeway Site is located at Karl H. Dixon Memorial Park at Boyd's Mill Pond. |  Access the Fort Ridgeway site by following signs for Karl H. Dixon Memorial Park. |
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 The historical kiosk at tells the story of Fort Ridgeway. |  Boyd's Mill Pond is located on the Reedy River, which is referenced in the Fort Ridgeway story. |  Boyd's Mill Pond is open to the public, and boats under 9hp are permitted on the pond. Click the image to learn more. |
Visit Fort Ridgeway
1245 Boyds Mill Pond Rd, Laurens, SC 29360
A historical marker for Fort Ridgeway is located at Karl Dixon Memorial Park. Karl Dixon Memorial Park includes a walking trail, playground, picnic shelter, and boat launch (9hp or less), and parking is available. Click here to learn more.