Blue Ridge Compatriots Attend Blackstock Plantation Battlefield Ceremony

Ron Hillabrand
Posted in: News

First North Carolina Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Chartered 21 April 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina, and later became the Blue Ridge Chapter.

 

Back on November 19, 2022, Compatriots Paul Grass and Tom Higdon represented the NCSSAR Blue Ridge Chapter at the Blackstock Plantation Battlefield Ceremony in Enoree, South Carolina. There were about 30 folks who attended this commemoration of the 242nd Anniversary of the Battle. Blue Ridge Compatriot Paul Grass was the only direct descendant in attendance at this event and was asked to lead the SAR Pledge. Both Paul Grass and Tom Higdon at the designated time, formally rendered honors to John Boyce of the Newberry District SC. Paul Grass was very proud of the service his descendant John Boyce gave for the eventual freedoms we enjoy today.

The Park Manager Ranger gave substantial and moving remarks about the history of the Battle. The Lecture by the Interpretive Ranger from Musgrove Mill State Park (which maintains the Blackstock property) and the Battlefield Walk Lecture by a noted AP History teacher from Columbia, SC, were excellent presentations. It was pointed out that the Blackstock Plantation Battle of November 20, 1780, was certainly one of the most Revolutionary War battles in the Carolinas that most people probably never heard of.

Left to Right

Blue Ridge Compatriot Tom Higdon, Blue Ridge Compatriot Paul Grass, Col. James Williams Society CAR, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Chapter DAR Kathryn Smith,  and James William Chapter SCSSAR David Smith.

It is easy to see that the Blue Ridge Chapter is an active, energetic, busy chapter that is always looking for new members to help us reach our challenging goals for the recognition of the sacrifices our Patriots made for us to enjoy all the freedoms we have today.