Croft State Park

Another state park that is located near me is Croft State Park. I’ve hiked a little there and hope to do more hiking there in the future. 250,

Croft State Park is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. During WWII, it was used as an army basic training center and a prisoner of war camp. There are 20 miles of biking, hiking, and horse trails in the park. Also, there is a playground, picnicking area, shooting range, and a campground. Fishing and paddling can be done in the 165-acre Lake Craig. You might see white-tailed deer, raccoons, fox, coyote, waterfowl, and birds of prey in the park.

During the late 18th century, the land was farmed, and old farmsteads can still be found in the park.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Patriots and the Loyalists fought here.

In the 19th century, a hotel was built and attracted people to lithium springs that supposedly healed people. It burned in 1930 and some foundation remains are still visible.

While it was used as an Army basic training facility, 250,000 troops trained here. It was named for Major General Edward Croft from Greenville, SC, and former chief of Army infantry. By having Camp Croft here, the local economy was helped tremendously.

About a thousand German prisoners of war were held here during the last two years of the war.

When the base was deactivated in 1945, the government sold 7000 acres to the state of South Carolina for a park. The park opened in 1949. There are still warnings posted about possible ordnance found in the area.