The Legend of Liberty Springs occurs during the very beginning of the Revolutionary War. In the Backcountry of South Carolina, people werebitterly divided in their allegiances. As the war progressed, it deteriorated into a bloody civil war with neighbors fighting neighbors. The Legend of Liberty Springs provides one instance in this war when peace prevailed, although, unfortunately, it was a fleeting instance indeed.
Laurens County was part of the Ninety Six District during this time, and there was a great deal of activity in the area. Both Loyalist and Patriot armies were gathering their support and heading toward a siege at the district capital at Ninety Six (the First Siege of Ninety Six, Nov. 19-21, 1775). The road to Ninety Six was heavily trampled with opposing forces.
As these armies were preparing to fight each other, they were suddenly struck down with a greater foe than either one of them could defeat. The opposing armies became infectedwith smallpox, which at that time was the leading cause of death in South Carolina. Both armies headed for the healing powers of a local spring, which today is located on the property of Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church.
The two sides made an agreement in the face of their common foe. If the afflicted men would lay down their arms, they would be allowed to garner the cooling succor of the flowing waters. Peace prevailed, albeit for a short time only. These men were neighbors who knew each other, and they were each were willing to die for their cause. Unfortunately, over the next 8 years, each side was given ample opportunity to do just that.
Thus holds the Legend of Liberty Springs. In a time of bitter and bloody conflict, even enemies can unite in the face of a greater foe. The healing waters of Liberty Springs provided a brief, welcome respite during this tumultuous time of strife and conflict.
Posted to Facebook 3/25/2025