28: Revolutionary Roots – Tarleton’s Tea Table (A 250th Anniversary Series)

Welcome to the Explore Lake Murray Country Podcast: Your Guide to Come Alive in the Jewel of South Carolina. As the nation approaches the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, Explore Lake Murray Country continues a special series uncovering the stories that shaped our region. In this episode of Revolutionary Roots, host Kelly Hughes is joined by noted Newberry historian Ernie Shealy to explore one of the area’s most intriguing legends—Tarleton’s Tea Table. Known for his fierce and often brutal tactics, British officer Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton left a lasting impression on the Southern Campaign. But in Newberry, a surprising story endures: one where local women invited the infamous commander to an outdoor tea, delaying British troop movements and, perhaps, altering the course of events in their own quiet way. Ernie Shealy dives into the origins of this story, examining the line between documented history and local folklore while highlighting the important role everyday citizens played during the Revolutionary War. The conversation also explores the site known today as Tarleton’s Tea Tables and how stories like this continue to shape Newberry’s identity. Listeners will also learn more about The Newberry Museum and its efforts to preserve and share these local legends, along with a preview of upcoming opportunities to experience Tarleton’s story firsthand through guided tours. This episode continues the journey through Lake Murray Country’s Revolutionary past, told through the people, places, and stories that still resonate today. Explore Lake Murray Country is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Kelly Hughes and produced by the team at Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.