A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMDEN POLO CLUB, TO HONOR THE HISTORIC KIRKWOOD POLO FIELD, AND TO COMMEND THE COMMUNITY'S CONTINUING DEDICATION TO the preSERVation of SOUTH CAROLINA'S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE.

 

Whereas, in 1898, Rogers L. Barstow introduced organized polo to Camden, South Carolina, planting the seeds of a sporting tradition that would soon become integral to the town's identity; and

 

Whereas, in 1900, the Camden Polo Club was formally chartered by the club's first captain, Rogers L. Barstow, together with W.C. "Bill" Salmond, K.G. "Gerald" Whistler, Clem Brown, A.D. "Dal" Kennedy Jr., A.H. Boykin Jr., Lewis Clyburn, and James Team, establishing what is now recognized as the fourth oldest polo club in the United States; and

 

Whereas, the Kirkwood Polo Field, constructed in 1899, remains one of the nation's oldest active polo grounds, standing as both the birthplace of Camden's polo legacy and a testament to the community's longstanding commitment to equestrian sport; and

 

Whereas, Camden's polo heritage quickly attracted notable figures and helped cement the town's reputation as a premier equestrian destination, fostering a vibrant social and sporting scene that enriched South Carolina's cultural tapestry; and

 

Whereas, the preservation of the Kirkwood Polo Field was ensured through the generous efforts of visionary supporters such as Edgar Cato, whose contributions safeguarded the field from development and maintained its role as a community asset; and

 

Whereas, in 2022, the American Battlefield Trust acquired the historic Kirkwood Polo Field, recognizing its significance not only in sports history but also as the site of the Revolutionary War's Battle of Hobkirk Hill, thereby intertwining the field's legacy with the broader American narrative; and

 

Whereas, in 2025, exactly one hundred twenty-five years after its original founding, local equestrian enthusiasts reinstated the Camden Polo Club's charter, ensuring that new generations can enjoy "the sport of kings" on these same historic grounds and renewing the club's commitment to horsemanship, fellowship, and community service; and

 

Whereas, the Wateree Hounds and the Camden Hunt have helped revitalize Camden's polo tradition through events such as the annual Wateree Cup Polo Classic and the Camden Benefit Cup, making polo accessible to modern audiences and reinforcing the community's equestrian spirit; and

 

Whereas, the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary season of the Camden Polo Club in 2025 was celebrated with festivities that honored the town's rich equestrian history, engaged residents and visitors alike, and highlighted the enduring appeal of polo in South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and celebrate the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the Camden Polo Club, honor the historic Kirkwood Polo Field, and commend the community's continuing dedication to the preservation of South Carolina's equestrian heritage.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Camden Polo Club, the Wateree Hounds, and the Historic Camden Foundation in grateful acknowledgment of their ongoing efforts to sustain and promote Camden's polo legacy.

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