NEWBERRY – Memorial Park, located in downtown Newberry, officially has a Revolutionary War Monument dedicated to the men and women of Newberry County who fought in support of the American Revolution.
The new monument was dedicated in Memorial Park on July 3, 2026, coinciding with many events and celebrations for the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. Prior to the monument, an American Revolution plaque was placed in the park in 2012.
This monument did not happen overnight, but in fact has been in the planning stages since 2021, and was spearheaded by the Col. Philemon Waters Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Jasper Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Tom Forte, president of the Col. Philemon Waters Chapter, said that both organizations have a similar mission and goal, to honor their patriotic ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving the community and educating future generations about the history and principles of the country.
The idea for the monument first began following the passing of Larry Killian. Forte said following his death, they learned he bequeathed funds to the chapter to be used to create something in Newberry County to honor the Patriots of the American Revolution.
“We did not hesitate because we wanted to put something in the county that all residents could be proud of,” Forte said.
A committee was soon formed, and with a design in place, they received approval from the City of Newberry. However, after putting the project out for bid, Brown Memorials of Florence told them that while they could create the proposed design, they had another design idea for the monument. Forte said they liked the new design and returned to Newberry City Council for approval, which was given.
This monument would not have been possible without the contributions of various donations, including the bequest from Killian. Forte specifically noted that the SC250 Commission and another local foundation helped bring the project to life.
The City of Newberry also provided the site work for the new monument.
“Our two chapters are giving this to the residents of the county as a permanent remembrance to honor the brave Patriots who supported the American Revolution,” Forte said.
On the front of the monument, it is inscribed: “IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF THOSE BRAVE PATRIOTIC MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL RACES, CREEDS, AND CULTURES FROM THE NINETY-SIX DISTRICT, LATER DIVIDED TO FORM NEWBERRY COUNTY, WHO SACRIFICED LIFE, LIMB, AND PROPERTY IN SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION THAT CREATED A NEW NATION BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY 1775-1783.”
The back of the monument lists 11 known battles and skirmishes that took place in Newberry County. Forte said while these are the ones they are aware of, there may have been more.
Dianne Culbertson, SC250 Commissioner, said that South Carolina had over 400 battles, skirmishes and murders, and without these the war probably would not have been won.
“This monument to the Newberry County Patriots who helped with the American Revolution is so important; they risked it all to achieve independence,” she said.
Also included during the ceremony was a presentation of the Colors by the SCSSAR Color Guard, a joint City of Newberry and Newberry County Proclamation, and a presentation by Millie Westermeyer, regent of the Jasper Chapter, on women of the American Revolution. The Jasper Chapter also hosted a reception following the dedication.