Battery Warren is a historical gem nestled DEEP in the woods in Jamestown (closer to Honey Hill tbh)...when you think you've put the wrong directions into your GPS and that surely you've gone the wrong way...keep the faith, you're going out to the middle of NOWHERE to find this Civil War site overlooking the banks of the Santee River.
You'll know you're within range when you start seeing signs for Battery Warren and ultimately you'll find a small parking area that marks the trailhead marker. It's a very easy hike in and out but you are pretty isolated, so keep that in mind.
While the fort never saw major action, it served a strategic outpost to protect the river against Northern forces and block them from moving into the Charleston area.
It's pretty easy to tell when you're closing to reaching the large earthworks, because you'll quickly notice the ground around you starting to reach well above your head. It will take you 15 minutes TOPS to reach the earthenworks fort once you start the walk in.
I've made the hike a few time and on this most recent trek was disappointed to find that of the handful of interpretive historical signs that are there, a few of them had been damaged beyond being able to even read them. Not sure how often DNR is maintaining the site but the signs looked like they'd been damaged for a while.
The fort overlooks a beautiful and peaceful stretch of the Santee River and makes for an interesting way to pass the afternoon. If you're in the area it's worth making a stop in. I wouldn't go out of my way to make a special trip here because the signs could use some love ...but again, if you're neary definitely check it out. read more