The Resort Era

The Kirkwood Polo Field in Camden, South Carolina, carries a rich tapestry of history, akin to what Wrigley Field is to baseball for the polo community. This field, nestled in one of the town's older neighborhoods, has been a cornerstone of the sport since before Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, hosting matches that attracted international teams and thousands of spectators weekly. Its significance is underpinned by Camden's once-thriving resort industry, where the Kirkwood Hotel, along with The Hobkirk Inn and The Court Inn, dominated as premier destinations for the well-to-do, offering an array of activities including polo. The field served as a vibrant gathering place for resort guests and local families alike, becoming a hallmark of community and high society.
The reawakening of the Kirkwood Polo Field symbolizes a revival of interest in the sport and its history, highlighting the enduring legacy of Camden's resort era and the timeless appeal of polo. The field, once again vibrant with the sound of galloping ponies and cheering crowds, stands as a testament to the rich history and community spirit that define Camden.
As the late 1800s saw a push towards outdoor activities for health benefits, Camden emerged as a coveted retreat for those seeking the invigorating and "salubrious" air, with its resorts offering world-class amenities and outdoor sports. The Kirkwood Polo Field itself was meticulously developed to meet the standards of the sport, drawing players and their ponies from across the nation. Its grandeur was such that it rivaled the facilities of some of the most prestigious resorts in the United States, being one of the few to boast both a golf course and a polo field.
The passage of time and historical events, however, saw a decline in Camden's resort industry and the polo field's prominence. World War II shifted priorities, and advances in passenger air travel diminished the town's winter resort appeal. The once bustling hotels and polo matches faded into memory, with the grand resorts either repurposed or demolished, and the polo field lay dormant, nearly forgotten by generations.
Yet, a resurgence of interest, marked by a fundraising event in November 2023 featuring polo professionals, breathed new life into the Kirkwood Field. This event not only paid homage to the field's storied past but also rekindled the spirit of polo in Camden. Attendees, from local to state dignitaries, experienced the exhilarating blend of tradition and sport, reminding the community of the field's historic significance and its role in enriching Camden's cultural fabric.