Prince's Fort

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For the protection against the Cherokee Indians, a fort was erected. It was called Prince's Fort because it was built near the residence of John Prince. Fort Prince was the general rallying point in times of danger when it was necessary for the people of the settlement to seek safety. Just in front was a creek for their washing. Nearby stood a Mill which ground corn, later known as Grays Mill. It stood for several years after the revolutionary war.

Size and Shape: Prince's Fort, circular in shape, was constructed of heavy logs. it was 150 ft. in diameter and 15 ft high. Port holes were cut for use by riflemen, and it was surrounded by a ditch, the dirt from which was thrown against the walls to parapet height.

Source: J.B.O. Landrum, Colonial and Revolutionary History of South Carolina. pg 31, 124

In 1777 Prince's Fort was commanded by Captain (in 1777 & Lt. Col. by 1780) James Steen of Thicketty, South Carolina (Thicketty Creek) (Source: Lyman Draper (1815-1891) in Kings Mountain and Its Heroes, pages 469-470, published 1881).

Location:

Various descriptions of location exist. One description places the fort 2 1/2 miles northeast of the present village Fair Forest on Fairforest Creek (a branch of the Tyger River), Ninety Six District, Union County. A second description locates it as southwest of the City of Union, South Carolina where SC 49 crosses over Fairforest Creek on a commanding height of land beside Gray’s creek, a branch of the Tyger River.

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