Hobkirk Hill Battlefield

Site of the 1781 Battle of Hobkirk's Hill during the Revolutionary War, where phantom soldiers march through the pines and the clash of muskets echoes at dawn.

On April 25, 1781, British forces under Lord Rawdon surprised American troops under General Nathanael Greene on Hobkirk's Hill just outside Camden. The battle resulted in an American retreat with significant casualties on both sides. The hillside battlefield, now partially covered by residential development, retains pockets of undisturbed ground where soldiers fell. Residents living near the battlefield report hearing the sound of musket fire and shouted commands at dawn, particularly in April near the anniversary of the battle. Phantom soldiers in Revolutionary War-era uniforms have been seen marching through the pine trees along the old battle lines. The area around the historical marker on Broad Street is known for unexplained cold spots and a heavy feeling of dread. Camden's role as a major British military post during the war — with two major battles and the execution of numerous patriots — contributes to the area's overall haunted reputation.