Few People Realize This 1800s Revival Camp In South Carolina Even Exists
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Over in rural Fairfield County, near the town of Ridgeway, there is a piece of South Carolina history that’s both inspiring and motivational. It’s a revival campground with roots that trace all the way back to soon after the Civil War.
The camp is comprised of approximately 100 one-room structures, commonly referred to as 'tents.'
Beginning as early as 1876, families began congregating at this location for their annual meeting, akin to what is known now as a good old-fashioned revival.
About 1930, a church was erected on the property, and a small adjacent school was added as well. The historical marker out by the end of the driveway (on the far right side of the photo below) says, "Camp Welfare." It was the name given to this historical camp initially attended by newly freed slaves.
The annual meeting consisted of several daily religious services in the community arbor. The arbor is shown here in a photo that was submitted with a 1983 application to the National Register of Historic Places. The camp was added to that list in 1984.
Several generations of families who were gifted the 'tents' in the campground attended annual 7-10 day meetings at the rugged outpost. After a 2016 dispute with the adjacent church who now owns the property, it's unclear if the annual camp meetings are still taking place.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
