Walnut Grove Plantation
I have always been fascinated with colonial history. I believe our state can match Pre-Revolutionary banter with any former American colony. South Carolina’s Lowcountry was settled by Europeans in the early 1670’s. The Upcountry took much longer to develop. Settlers slowly began to migrate here after traveling the Great Wagon Road. They were eager for a new start in South Carolina’s backcountry. One family who made that long trip south was the clan of Charles and Mary Moore. The Moores were Scots Irish immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the late 1750’s. They received a large land grant from King George III in 1763 and traveled the famous 18th Century road to their new home. Charles Moore received additional grants from the king that helped his property swell to nearly 3,000 acres. They built their new Georgian style home in 1765 on a beautiful tract of land in present day Roebuck. Roebuck is located eight miles south of Downtown Spartanburg. According to Moore family tradition, the home was named Walnut Grove for the lovely grove of walnut trees planted on the grounds by daughter Margaret Catherine ”Kate” Moore. It must be noted that this story has been passed down through several generations. While the name might not have historical certainty, it’s a great topic of conversation.
Charles and Mary Moore produced 10 children, the most notable being the aforementioned Kate Moore. Kate was the eldest of the ten children. She married Andrew Barry in 1767 at the age of fifteen. When the Upcountry became involved in the Revolution Andrew and Kate volunteered their services to the Patriot cause. The Moores’ home and surrounding land became a focal point in the Southern Campaign of the early 1780’s. Captain Steadman, an ardent Patriot, was killed in the home by Tory forces led by “Bloody” Bill Cunningham. Steadman was in the home recovering from an illness. Blood stains on the floor were long thought to be those of Steadman’s until recently proven otherwise. Kate Moore Barry would soon become a folk hero with her daring displays of bravery and espionage.
During the brutal winter of 1781 the tide had turned in favor of the seasoned American Patriots. Kate Barry had learned of the advances of the notorious Banastre Tarleton toward the Cowpens. General Daniel Morgan turned to Kate for help in rousing the locals in the fight for independence. Legend tells us that Kate tied her newborn baby to a bed post as she rode through the countryside in a fashion only Paul Revere could appreciate. Her impeccable riding skills gave her ample time in her efforts to help General Morgan. When the two sides met up at Cowpens Ban Tarleton’s forces were crushed by the well prepared Continental Army. Andrew Barry fought bravely in the battle under the command of ”The Wizard Owl” Andrew Pickens. Kate earned the title “Heroine of Cowpens” for her selfless contributions to the cause. She motivated countless men to rise up and fight for an ideal she so strongly believed in.
Indigo Blue made a visit to Walnut Grove Plantation on May 24, 2009. Walnut Grove is the oldest home of historical value in Spartanburg County. The weather was overcast with scattered showers on an otherwise pleasant afternoon. The conditions made for light traffic at Walnut Grove, which we certainly had no problem with. Once we entered the visitors center we found that we would be given our own personal tour of the site. Our tour guide was thorough and professional in his descriptions of the house and customs of the time period. He gave us a glimpse of what life was like for the Moore family in the 18th Century. The artifacts in the house were pleasantly displayed and well preserved. I am always bewildered by the diminutive size of the beds in 18th and 19th Century homes! After our tour of the manor house we viewed the smoke house, the well house and Rocky Spring Academy.
Rocky Spring was one of the first schools in Spartanburg County. Charles Moore founded the school on the property in 1770. Rocky Spring successfully educated students for eighty years before closing its doors in 1850. At the conclusion of our tour we were able to view the rest of the grounds. Adjacent to the east wing of the house you will find the original well that is 30 feet deep. The vegetable garden showcases many crops that were prevalent in the 18th Century. An old barn at the back of the property houses a replica Conestoga Wagon, reminding us of the Moore Family trip down the Great Wagon Road. We also viewed the blacksmith’s forge and the office of Dr. Andrew Barry Moore. Andrew Moore was Spartanburg County’s first college trained physician. Looking back at the house you can almost feel the history speaking to you. The property is secluded from 21st Century Metropolitan Spartanburg. This only adds to the mystique, beauty and tranquility of Walnut Grove.
Once you leave the house grounds you are welcome to take a stroll down a red clay path worn by time. The old path is surrounded by forest on one side and a peaceful grassy meadow on the other. At the end of the short journey you will see the final resting place of several members of the Moore family. You can also view many graves of slaves and Revolutionary War soldiers. Behind the oak shaded graveyard you will see the entrance to a half mile nature trail. The trail features lush vegetation and wildlife nestled in their natural habitat. The Mountain Magnolia, rare in this part of the country, can be found here. The nature trail is a great place to take a stroll on a warm summer day. You can also bring a picnic and enjoy the quiet surroundings in the shadows of the colonial home. Walnut Grove holds their annual “Festifall” festival each year in early October. This event is attended by approximately 2,000 people each autumn. There are many activities and demonstrations on the property that include a host of reenactors in period dress. Walnut Grove Plantation is a special place to visit during any season. We were glad to show our appreciation to a family that played such a vital role in our fight for independence.
Admission: Adults (18-64)- $6 Seniors (65 & Up)- $5.50 Youths (6-17)- $3 Children 5 & Under- FREE
1200 Otts Shoals Road Roebuck, South Carolina 29376 Phone: (864) 576-6546
To view a photo gallery of our trip to Walnut Grove Plantation please click here
INDIGO BLUE NOTES: Native South Carolinian and USC Upstate professor Sheila Ingle has written an award winning children’s book about Kate Moore Barry titled Courageous Kate: A Daughter of the American Revolution. This book is a great read for any proud Sandlapper or simply one interested in heros and heroines of the American Revolution. Hint: This would be a great stocking stuffer with Christmas just two weeks away!
WOW!! I feel as if I have visited Walnut Grove without leaving my home in Florida. I am impressed by the knowledge of the writer and the expertise of the photographer. Reading this entry and looking at the pictures made me feel like I had known the Moore family and especially their oldest daughter, Kate. She was surely a woman “before her time!” Thank you, Indigo Blue for your research.
Interesting article and lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting article and lovely picture. Makes me wish I were a South Carolinian!