New Augmented Reality Experiences Bring Battlefields to Life

December 2, 2024

The Liberty Trail announces app and on-site binoculars created through Anglo-American partnership

SCPBT CEO Rick Wise looks on as Charleston Mayor William Cogswell tests the augmented reality binoculars on Marion Square.

Charleston, S.C. (November 27, 2024) – The Liberty Trail Augmented Reality Experience provides a new way to interact with Revolutionary War history: By exploring key battlefields faithfully reconstructed in 3D. Working together, the American Battlefield Trust, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and UK-based augmented reality company Zubr, have created an interactive and immersive glimpse into places central to the Palmetto State’s pivotal role in the conflict.

Aligned with the American Battlefield Trust’s mission, The Liberty Trail AR suite of digital content goes beyond basic facts to make history inspirational. It showcases military maneuvers and siege tactics from both British and Patriot forces, with four different battlefield locations brought back to life. From Eutaw Springs and Fort Watson to Fort Fair Lawn and the Siege of Charleston, the experience reveals the conflict and aftermath of pivotal battles during the Southern Campaign, as well as broader military pattern-of-life.

"The past has never felt closer than through this dynamic AR experience, which allows visitors to wander around and inside long-lost battlefield structures," says American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan. “The models present the scale of these constructions, and the details of how they may have looked in a way previously unimaginable. Technology is bringing the past to life and deepening visitor understanding of the people and places of the American Revolution – on the battlefield and elsewhere."

Whilst the virtual content can be enjoyed either at the battlefield sites in South Carolina or remotely via a free downloadable app, Zubr’s accessible ‘AR Binoculars’ can also be found at Charleston’s Marion Square, at Fort Watson, within Santee National Wildlife Refuge near Summerton, and soon at the Berkeley County Museum in Moncks Corner. Although visually similar to traditional tower viewers, these innovative, long-lasting binoculars are believed to be the first of their kind installed in the United States and allow visitors to peer through and experience the AR scenes without the need for a personal device or app download.

“I was proud to get a first look at the augmented reality binoculars at Marion Square,” says Charleston Mayor Willam Cogswell, after unveiling the new hardware yesterday afternoon. “It’s exciting to see new ways that we can honor Charleston’s storied history, which played pivotal role in the American Revolution. I encourage residents and visitors to explore this innovative resource.”

“There are countless innovations showcased within the Liberty Trail AR project, such as the custom musket reload animations, the 1:1 scale virtual environments, and of course our unique AR Binoculars. We’re honoured that our cutting-edge tech will be used to increase awareness of these significant moments in US history,” says Jack Norris, Director of Zubr.

The remarkable collaboration between US and UK teams in portraying both British and Patriot soldiers on the eve of the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary has caught the attention of the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., which held a preview event on November 14.

“It was great to meet with the team from Zubr and experience their exciting new tech,” said Col. Matt Churchward, Royal Marines Attaché to the United States. “I can see real value in the military community for both wargaming simulations and joint professional military education.”

The Liberty Trail is an unforgettable journey through place and time, connecting locations central to the story of the American Revolution. It began in the Palmetto State, as the American Battlefield Trust joined forces with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, but as the nation’s Semiquincentennial anniversary dawns, will expand into other states. Learn more at www.TheLibertyTrail.org.

About American Battlefield Trust

From a grassroots organization started by historians 30 years ago, the American Battlefield Trust has grown into one of the most successful private heritage land preservation organizations in the nation. The Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, representing more than 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

About the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust seeks to protect and preserve these battlefields and historic military sites across South Carolina to not only honor the soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country, but also provide current and future generations a space at which to remember, contemplate, discuss, and learn how our history not only shapes the past, but is also relevant to the present and future of our great state. Over the last 30 years, the organization has protected 72 sites. For more information visit, www.scbattlegroundtrust.org.

About Zubr

Zubr is a British augmented and virtual reality technology company founded in 2015. Zubr has previously delivered over 400 immersive technology projects, including AR apps for the Acropolis of Athens and the National Gallery in London. They are the world’s leading provider of augmented and virtual reality binoculars, offering a powerful immersive viewing experience without the hassle of wearables or app downloads. Discover more at https://zubr.co/

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Camden 9B No Longer “Unknown”

June 29, 2026

Archaeologists Dr. Steve Smith and Jim Legg worked to find artifacts to tell the story at the Camden Battlefield for over 20 years. They knew the grave was there. The final one to complete the project. Hits from metal detectors again revealed they were in the right place. The grave site was slowly excavated, and hours ran into days. As the grave opening was expanded, the revelation was solemn. Not one, not two, but a total of five soldiers in a grave only about 14 inches deep and no more than four feet wide. They were known as Camden 9A through 9E. Continental USA buttons and other artifacts proved which side they were on. Forensic Anthropologists, Dr. Madeline Atwell and Dr. Bill Stevens meticulously worked to recover the remains, which were removed to the Richland County Coroner’s office. More forensics study was done, and the potential for DNA evidence was contemplated. The late Doug Bostick, Executive Director/CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, started this amazing journey. His concept to protect and preserve soldiers from graves that were threatened by erosion and other hazards led to the project in the Fall of 2022. The initial plan was to excavate six grave sites. Ultimately, eight grave sites were found and excavated, revealing 14 soldiers. Each was unknown. Artifacts showed the army for which they fought. Possible brigade-sized units were surmised from the location of their graves on the battlefield. They were honored in April 2023 at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden, and at the battlefield where about 400 of their comrades in arms still lie in shallow, unmarked graves. The Continentals now lie at rest in the Presbyterian Burial Grounds, managed by the historic Quaker Cemetery in Camden. And beneath the marble headstones marked “Unknown,” they waited. The Historic Camden Foundation, under Cary Briggs and Stacey Ferguson, led the efforts to determine whether the DNA could possibly be used to determine the identity of any of the recovered soldiers. They contracted Allison Peacock of FHD Forensics and her team to work their genetic and genealogy magic. And it worked. An identity was proven, and an anxious family awaited the official word. And when the word did come, the team effort that made this possible coalesced for the next step in the journey: Rick Wise traveled to Maryland to tell the descendants about their ancestor’s steps and sacrifice during the Revolutionary War. In an emotional address to the family, Wise emphasized the gravity of the moment, noting that it was the first time in nearly 246 years that his name, Private John Pumphrey, was spoken out loud for his relatives to hear his name. Tears flowed from relatives as Wise detailed the harrowing experiences of Pumphrey and the Maryland troops, who marched on battlefields and sites that echo with history: Brandywine, Germantown, Valley Forge, Monmouth Courthouse, and Camden. Wise illustrated their courage in how Pumphrey and his comrades held the line against overwhelming odds at Camden . He characterized their actions as selfless sacrifice, intended to secure the freedoms enjoyed not by themselves, but by generations of Americans, including ours today. The successful DNA identification of Private Pumphrey is a crucial breakthrough, allowing historians and the family to trace his specific journey to the Battle of Camden . Private John Pumphrey is representative of all those who remain in shallow, unmarked graves across the hallowed grounds of the Camden Battlefield. As we approach the 250th Anniversary of America and the Declaration of Independence, let us say a prayer for our first Veterans, who lie in hallowed grounds across our original 13 colonies, who gave their all for a new nation not yet realized, the United States of America.

Memorial Day: 250 Years After the American Revolution

May 25, 2026

Memorial Day calls us to honor those who did not come home to celebratory ceremonies and flags, but gave their lives to a nation that we must work to make worthy of their sacrifice.

Hobkirk Hill Battlefield Park ribbon cutting

Celebrating the opening of the Hobkirk Hill Battlefield Park

By jen • May 21, 2026

The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust was honored to join the American Battlefield Trust, South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), and the City of Camden on May 18 for the official opening of Hobkirk Hill Battlefield Park in Camden,.