KVLT Secures a Portion of Historic Hobkirk Hill Battlefield and Wateree Dam Site
Katawba Valley Land Trust Secures a Portion of Historic Hobkirk Hill Battlefield and Wateree Dam Site Through New Conservation Easements
Katawba Valley Land Trust (KVLT) is proud to announce the successful recording of two new conservation easements in Camden—one that preserves a vital piece of Revolutionary War history and the other that protects a thriving natural habitat.
The first conservation easement, made possible through a partnership with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, protects 20 acres within the footprint of the Battle of Hobkirk Hill site. On April 25, 1781, this land saw a fierce battle between Patriot forces led by General Nathanael Greene and British troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Francis Rawdon. Although the British claimed a tactical victory, they soon withdrew from Camden, allowing Greene to continue his southern campaign—a crucial moment in America’s fight for independence.
A century later, Hobkirk Hill became the site of the Kirkwood Hotel, a cherished symbol of leisure and recreation. Although the hotel closed in the 1940s and only the ruins of its foundation remain today, the site’s legacy lives on. This property is a stop on The Liberty Trail and is open to the public. Hobkirk Hill is the fourth Revolutionary War battlefield KVLT has helped permanently protect through a conservation easement.
In a second protection measure, Duke Energy has permanently conserved 22 acres of riparian and forested land surrounding the Wateree Dam in Camden. This ecologically rich property is now under a conservation easement held by KVLT, ensuring its protection for future generations. More than just a scenic stretch of land, the site supports an active bald eagle nest and provides essential resources for wildlife that depend on the unique ecosystem just below the dam.
“We’re honored to help preserve both our region’s historical legacy and its natural beauty,” said Dr. Michelle Evans, Executive Director of KVLT. “These easements show the power of partnership and the importance of protecting landscapes that tell our story and sustain our environment.”
KVLT extends its deepest gratitude to the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and Duke Energy for their collaboration and dedication to conservation.
