COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will premiere The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution on July 2 at 8 p.m. on ETV. Produced in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the documentary examines how South Carolina became a turning point in the Revolutionary War and how the battles fought across the South helped drive British forces toward defeat at Yorktown.
Featuring historians, reenactments and battlefield locations across South Carolina and North Carolina, the program highlights the sacrifices, strategy and resilience that shaped America’s fight for independence. Through expert analysis and historical interpretation, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the Southern Campaign and the critical role it played in securing victory for the colonies.
The documentary explores the fierce fighting that unfolded across the backcountry and the individuals whose actions helped alter the course of the war. From military leaders and ordinary citizens to Patriot and Loyalist forces, The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution presents the complexity of the conflict and the lasting impact it had on the founding of the nation.
Produced by SCETV, the documentary was created with production funding provided, in part, by the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250). The program is part of SCETV’s broader efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and to highlight South Carolina’s central role in the struggle for independence.
SCETV will host its America 250 celebration on July 1 with two public events at the SCETV studios in Columbia. Walter Edgar’s Journal Live: Revolutionary Voices will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and feature a live recording of SC Public Radio’s Walter Edgar’s Journal, followed by a Q&A session and meet-and-greet with host Dr. Walter Edgar, producer and co-host Alfred Turner, and leaders from SC250.
The evening event, The Southern Campaign: A Revolutionary Evening, will include a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a premiere screening of The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Attendees will also view selected clips from The American Revolution, a documentary series by acclaimed filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, which provides additional historical context surrounding the Revolutionary War.
Following the screening, historians and subject-matter experts will participate in a panel discussion moderated by SC Public Radio local host Reagan Knight. The conversation will examine the battles, people and enduring legacy of the Revolution in the South.
In addition to the broadcast, viewers can stream The Southern Campaign of the American Revolution on SCETV.org and PBS.org, as well as through the SCETV and PBS apps. To explore additional SCETV content recognizing the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, visit SCETV.org/250.