(Ninety Six, SC) – The 25th Annual Autumn Candlelight Tour will be held on October 14, 2006 at the Ninety Six National Historic Site (NHS). Nearly 500 candle luminaries and torches will light the one mile historic trail as costumed volunteers portray settlers and soldiers of old Ninety Six during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. It remains one of the most popular programs in the community.
The past will come to life as visitors see and hear many of the fascinating stories of Ninety Six’s role during America’s early days. Program highlights will be the sights and sounds of musket fire rising from the 225-year old Star Fort and Stockade Fort. We will again be remembering the soldiers who died here with blue and red luminaries for each Patriot and Loyalist life lost during the 1775 battle and 1781 siege. Two new activities will occur during the day. Park volunteers will conduct living history demonstrations of 18th century settlers from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the circa 1787 Black Swan Tavern. A ranger-led guided history trail tour will begin at 1:00 pm at the tavern.
Candlelight tours will begin at 7:00 pm and leave every 10 minutes with the last tour at 8:20 pm. Each tour will last about one hour and fifteen minutes. Upon arriving visitors should walk to the information tent near the parking area. Each person will receive a numbered ticket with a designated tour time. Visitors should wear walking shoes and bring a flashlight. All activities are free. Reservations are not necessary except for groups of 20 or more. For those groups, please contact the park by October 6 to register. The park’s visitor center will remain open until 9:00 pm.
Ninety Six NHS is one of over 380 National Park Service units nationwide. It is located two miles south of Ninety Six on SC Highway 248. In case of rain the program will be cancelled and not rescheduled. Contact the park for details at (864) 543-4068 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/nisi.
