Tag «patriot»

Colonel Elijah Clark

Colonel Elijah Clarke

Colonel Elijah Clarke, b. December 10, 1736 (some give 1733 & 1742) – December 15, 1799, was one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution. Fierce and determined in battle, the Georgian militia leader was always in the thick of the fight, having received multiple wounds throughout the war; two life threatening.  From Florida …

First Siege of Augusta   September 14 – 18, 1780

Native American Creek, allies of British

The First American Siege of Augusta, Georgia (September 14 – 18, 1780) was a partisan militia clash of arms by equal numbers of Georgia and South Carolina against Tory and Native American allies. The siege was called off after a stiff defense by Tory defenders and the sudden expected arrival of a British relief force …

Bloody Ben Tarleton Chases the Swamp Fox

Francis Swamp Fox Marion eludes British forces. Care of Swamp Fox Optics.

From November 7 – 14, 1780, in the lowlands of South Carolina, along the Santee River, a cat and mouse game played out between two wily and deadly opponents; rebel leader Colonel Francis Marion and British dragoon commander Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton. What occurred over the course of that week could have been drafted by …

Battle of Blackstocks

Militia open fire.

The Battle of Blackstocks, November 20, 1780, was one of the more crucial battles of the southern war and important American victory. Yet the battle has been lost to history, overshadowed by the later Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781). But upon study, Blackstocks provides an insight, if not a preview, of why British Lt. …

Battle of Wahab’s Plantation

Swamp Fox attacks. Artwork by Dan Nance.

The Battle of Wahab’s Plantation (September 21, 1780) pitted a fast moving, aggressive rebel leader, Colonel William Richardson, against the British Legion’s Cavalry. Outnumbered three to one, the newly promoted militia leader was undaunted by the odds, ordering the early morning surprise attack that took the partisan cavalrymen by surprise. Swift and brutal, the tables …

Battle of Blue Savannah: Francis Swamp Fox Marion

Francis Swamp Fox Marion and his band of rebel followers.

The Battle of Blue Savannah, September 4, 1780, was the second victory in as many weeks for Francis ‘Swamp Fox’ Marion leading partisan militia. The former commander of the 2nd South Carolina Continental Regiment had just scored his first victory against British Regular troops near Nelson’s Ferry on the Santee River at the Battle of …

First time attending Fort Roberdeau Revolutionary War Days 2024

Patriot militia assemble at fort.

By Ken Bohrer of American Revolution Photos. September 1, 2024, Blog #75 It is always a pleasure to post my very good friend’s blog. Ken Bohrer, College Counselor, is also an outstanding photographer. He has devoted decades to recording American Revolution reenactment events like few others. His extensive portrayal of those dedicated to preserving our …

Carter Braxton: Declaration of Independence Signee

A young Carter Braxton by Robert Edge Pine, 1820.

At age 39, Carter Braxton (1736-1797), was a delegate from Virginia to the Second Continental Congress. Though he often voted among his peers within the Whig rebellious movement, he was more conservative than most delegates. Rather than a complete break with England, he sought arbitration to settle colonial differences with the mother country. In the …

Battle of Hanging Rock

Battle of Ramsour Mill by Richard Luce

The Battle of Hanging Rock, South Carolina, August 6, 1780, was fought in present day Lancaster County south of Heath Springs. It was a patriot victory between rebel militia (North and South Carolina) that included Catawba Native Americans against a British outpost garrisoned by Tory regulars, mounted infantry of Banastre Tarleton’s Legion (Tarleton was not …

Battle of Hanging Rock: Patriot Major Davie Strikes First

militia firing

July 30, 1780: American Victory. One week prior to the main Battle of Hanging Rock, a rebel reconnaissance mission surprised and butchered a loyalist force within view of a large British garrison. In July, 1780, militiamen of North and South Carolina flocked to the patriot banner of rebel leader Colonel Thomas Sumter after the July …