As population moved from the lowcountry of South Carolina into the backcountry, this site became a convenient campground along the Cherokee Path. The first residents were hunters, followed by cattle drovers and Indian Traders. By 1753, Robert Gouedy had built a trading post here which soon rivaled some Charleston merchants in volume of trade. During the war with the Cherokees, local militia built a stockade around Gouedy’s barn. In March 1760, the garrison successfully withstood an attack by 250 Cherokee warriors.

In 1772 the town of Ninety-Six was established as the judicial center for the South Carolina backcountry, and
by 1775 the town was a bustling commerce and government center in the wilderness. A courthouse and brick jail as well as a dozen residences made up the frontier town which grew up beside the Cherokee path. The path was a major trade route connecting the Cherokee towns of the backcountry with the then capitol of South Carolina - the bustling port city of Charleston.

On July 17, Capt. Moses Kirkland was the commander of Ninety-Six. He decided to change sides of loyalty. He invited in a force of Loyalist militia, commanded by Col. Thomas Fletchall, to raid the fort. Col. Fletchall sent 200 militia from his main force to capture the fort. When they arrived at the fort, Kirkland talked his garrison into deserting the fort. The Loyalist militia took over the fort and threw Maj. James Mayson in the fort's jail. He was released a few hours later on bail to answer charges of robbing the King's fort at Fort Charlotte five days earlier.

SC 3rd Regiment (Rangers) Detachment led by Maj. James Mayson (captured/detained)

Number of men unknown.

Capt. Moses Kirkland with over 20 men

Col. Thomas Fletchall (absent) sent 200 men