John Rutledge (1739-1800) was a wealthy planter and successful lawyer, a leader in South Carolina's colonial Commons House of Assembly, and a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. As chief executive of the state during most of the War for Independence, he was instrumental in its defense and recovery after the British conquest of 1780. One of the leading delegates to the United States constitutional convention in 1787, he served as chief justice of South Carolina, and briefly as associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

This is the story of Rutledge's return after 44 years to Hampton Plantation, his boyhood home. Built in 1730 the stately mansion and its extensive grounds and woodlands are now one of South Carolina's state parks, located 40 miles northeast of Charleston. The restoration of the house, and reminiscences of Rutledge's early years there captures the true spirit of Hampton.

Winner of five 1969 Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Musical, this oft-produced musical play is an imaginative re-creation of the events from May 8 to July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, when the second Continental Congress argued about, voted on, and signed the Declaration of Independence.

This book brings an emerging nation into focus, from colonial Charleston to frontier Nashville, from the Revolution to the War Between the States. Illustrated and indexed.