SC Upstate teenage Revolutionary War spy honored with new statue & garden. Here’s her story

She was 16 and a spy during the Revolutionary War in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Laodicea Langston, known as Dicey, was small and unobtrusive to the point that she could listen to the conversations of those fighting the Patriots and then pass on the information to her father and brothers.

And in one especially heroic effort, she heard her brother’s camp would be attacked by a group of Loyalists known as the Bloody Scouts, led by William “Bloody Bill” Cunningham.

She walked through the night, was swept downstream while forging a swollen river to warn the Patriots.

Then she went home to Ninety Six to cook breakfast for her family.

Her bravery has been commemorated by Travelers Rest with the Dicey Langston Botanical Garden, which includes a statue by Nick Ring, a “Spy Hunt” trail, a Children’s Learning Garden, and a display called Charters of Freedom, which includes the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

The statue was recently unveiled.

The Travelers Rest Historical Society hopes it will deepen the understanding of the nation’s founding principles.

“A monument to Laodicea “Dicey” Langston is more than just a statue — it’s a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and patriotism that helped shape our nation,” the city of Travelers Rest says on its website.

“History often forgets the contributions of women — especially young women — who played crucial roles in shaping the world around them,” the city said.

Langston’s story survived through oral traditions and historical accounts.

“Her story is a powerful message to young people today: you don’t have to wait to be older, stronger, or more important to make a difference. You just have to be brave enough to act.”

Among the stories recounted is a time when she shielded her father from the Scots, who were part of the British forces. Another time, the Tories held her at gunpoint to try to get information on the Patriots.

“She refused and managed to escape on her horse at top speed,” the Upcountry History Museum said. “She raced across rocky paths until she reached safety.”

Dicey Langston married Thomas Springfield in 1783, and they moved to Travelers Rest, where they had 22 children.

She died at 71 and her obituary says her family “perhaps suffered more from the ruthless ravages of the Tories and Indians than almost any other.”

The obituary said she had some 140 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and some of her descendants attended the unveiling of the statue.

The Langston monument is the latest in dozens of community projects in Travelers Rest, which is at one end of the Swamp Rabbit biking and walking path from Greenville.

And it all began with a bike and walking path known as the Swamp Rabbit Trail. At the time Mayor Brandy Amidon said city leaders wanted the city to become more than a pass through.

“We needed people to come to rest,” she said

It began with cutting Highway 25 to two lanes, updating sidewalks, and landscaping. Trailblazer Park with its amphitheater and space for gatherings came next.

A new firehouse and city hall were built.

And as hoped, a mix of restaurants, boutiques, a bookstore, a place that makes and sells honey, bees and beekeeping equipment opened.

Major publications have noticed, pointing out the vibrancy of the community.

“The investments have paid off,” Amidor said. “People saw the city was doing things and wanted to be part of this. Who would imagine a creperie in Travelers Rest?”

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 6:00 AM.