Brattonsville's Huckle-Buckle
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This is a 3-stage multicache located at Historic Brattonsville, located just outside Rock Hill, SC. Coordinates are for the parking lot. Visitor's should pick up a trail map at the first stage and pay the trail fee of $6.00 before proceeding on to the site. Access to the caches is unavailable when the site is not open.
The Walt Schrader Trails at Historic Brattonsville
The Walt Schrader Trails are eight miles of natural paths used to relax, get some exercise or learn about our natural history. Visitors may use the trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding (call for special access days). As you wander along the trails, you’ll explore forest, wetland and prairie, each with its own distinctive plants and wildlife, as well as historic landmarks dating back to the 1770s.
Admission to the trails are included in the regular admission for Historic Brattonsville. If you wish to visit the trails only, a discounted admission of $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and students will be charged.
Situated on 775 acres, Historic Brattonsville is a place filled with stories. On a quiet day, you can almost hear the voices of the past whispering to you. As you leave the Visitors’ Center and wander down the dirt path into the 18th century, consider the story of Watt and the events leading to the Battle of Huck’s Defeat in 1780. The British were determined to capture or kill Colonel William Bratton for his involvement in the Patriot cause. Captain Christian Huck had been sent to accomplish this mission. Watt bravely sought out and warned the Colonel of the impending attack upon his home. Watt could have run away or even turned his master over to the British cause. Instead, he rode a horse through the sultry July night to warn Colonel Bratton. While Watt was away, Martha Bratton steadfastly refused to divulge her husband’s whereabouts, even though her very life was threatened by the sharpened crescent blade of a reaping hook against her throat. The actions of these brave souls ultimately led to Huck’s Defeat.
This is only part of the Bratton’s history. Across the road you are transported forward in time to the 19th century. The beautiful white Homestead house was built by Colonel Bratton’s son, Dr. John Simpson Bratton. Dr. Bratton and his wife Harriet Rainey Bratton were extremely well off. Looking back over your shoulder to the Colonel’s house, imagine the sound of a school bell promising rigorous academic classes accompanied by the arts and needlework, as was appropriate for a young lady. Dr. Bratton believed in education and turned his father’s home into the Brattonsville Female Seminary. But tragedy was to strike the Bratton family.
In 1843, Dr. Bratton died suddenly. His widow, Harriet, continued to live in their home. Consider how like her mother-in-law Harriet must have been. With the help of her sons, she continued to run the plantation. The people she would see every day were the skilled slaves that lived in the rows of small brick homes near the Homestead. Looking out into the fields she would see field slaves working the cotton fields that provided for her family. Can you imagine their hands, scarred from working from sunrise to sunset? Harriet remained in her family home until her death in 1874.
Life in Brattonsville changed after the Civil War. There are stories of a murder that took place at the house just southwest of the Homestead House. The murderer evaded justice by fleeing to Canada. The family that bravely fought during the American Revolution; that boasted a profitable plantation in the 19th century; touched by unexpected tragedy and scandalized by a horrible crime was gone from Brattonsville by 1915.
Today, listen to the voices on the wind; look for a face in the window; catch a glimpse of someone lurking behind one of the buildings; find an interpreter and ask them about this incredible family. You may be surprised by what you hear.
This is a 3-stage multicache located in Historic Brattonsville, taking you near some of the historic buildings mentioned above. While you are there, be sure to appreciate the amazing setting and imagine the Battle of Huck’s Defeat happening on the very ground you walk on. Historic Brattonsville celebrates this famous battle every July – check the website for more information on this multiday event that includes several battle reenactments.
For more information about Historic Brattonsville, please visit the website at www.chmuseums.org. The address is 1444 Brattonsville Rd in McConnells, SC and the phone number is 803.684.2327. Happy hunting!
The listed coordinates will take you to the parking lot. Proceed to first stage to pick up your Trail Map and the coordinates to the second stage, pay the $6.00 trail fee, and start your trip back in time.
Admission to the whole site is included in the trail fee ($6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for students). Children under 5 are free. Group rates are available. For more information, please call 803-684-2327.
The coordinates below will take you from the parking lot to the first stage.
Stage 1:
34° 51.907N
081° 10.507W
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage 1 Hint:]
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[Stage 2 Hint:]
Ng gur obggbz bs gur puvzarl, jurer gur fzbxr evfrf
Fgrc onpx naq ybbx uneq 'pnhfr gung'f jurer gur cevmr vf!
[Stage 3 Hint:]
Whfg bss gur genvy gung jvaqf nebhaq
Ol n snyyra gerr vf sbhaq
Na nzzb obk jnvgf jvgubhg fbhaq
Irel arne Uhpx'f onggyrtebhaq!