SUMTER ITEM
Commentary: Power of our collective heritage and Super Bowl of Steeplechase
Posted Saturday, September 28, 2024 6:00 am
By Tom Mullikin
On Sunday, Nov. 17, the "Super Bowl" of Steeplechase will return to the internationally renowned Springdale racecourse in Camden. This is a key component of the Palmetto State's heritage. For pricing, tickets, a great map and much more, visit https://lnkd.in/ejzABGXK.
From the earliest days, South Carolina has been known for its beautiful nature and environment.
In his inaugural address in 2023, Gov. Henry McMaster shared portions of a report dated June 9, 1739, and addressed to "His Excellency James Glen Esq. Capt. General, Governor, and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's province of South Carolina." The report, published according to an Act of Parliament by B. Roberts & W.H. Toms, reads in part: "The Climate of Carolina is extremely agreeable & wholesome & may well be looked upon as the most temperate part of the habitable Earth. (I)t is the fairest & most fruitful Province belonging to Great Britain."
Globally, tourism is nearly a $7 trillion industry, and here in South Carolina at $29 billion, it is our leading industry. Ecotourism is now responsible for 25% of the sector, and it is the fastest growing. Many areas of South Carolina are discovering that ecotourism is as great an economic driver as new manufacturers.
As the oldest inland city in South Carolina, Camden has experienced an equally interesting and robust economic renaissance through its important history and its beautiful outdoors, including the Wateree River, trails - including a relatively new spur of the famed Palmetto Trail, state park and lake. But the cornerstone of its economic revitalization is its internationally renowned equestrian community.
From the early days of the First Americans, Camden has provided ecosystems for one of the most powerful tribes of central South Carolina. Some of the state's oldest prehistoric sites are in Kershaw County, including mounds, rock shelters and Paleo-Indian artifacts. The massive Native American settlement of Cofitachiqui, with its temple mound capital outside Camden, drew to our lush lands explorers like Hernando de Soto in 1540, Captain Juan Pardo in 1566 and 1568 and the Englishman Henry Woodward in 1670.
Former U.S. presidents have also ridden their horses through the streets of Camden, including a young Andrew Jackson, a member of the historic S.C. State Guard, as well as the great outdoorsman and adventurer Theodore Roosevelt.
It is these significant historical moments, locations and activities that we seek to preserve by bringing back the internationally acclaimed Colonial Cup.
Together in South Carolina we need to work to protect our ecology, our economy and our heritage. Please join us for the return of this great race on Sunday, Nov. 17, and enjoy a small but important slice of what makes our state great.