SC250
Where the Revolution Was Won.
South Carolina was the crucible of American independence, hosting over 400 battles and skirmishes—more than any other colony. From the marshy coast of Sullivan’s Island to the rugged peaks of Kings Mountain, the SC250 Commission invites you to rediscover the turning point of the war. Through preservation, education, and statewide celebration, we honor the diverse heroes—soldiers, women, Native Americans, and enslaved and free African Americans—whose resilience forged a new nation. Step onto the Liberty Trail and discover your South Carolina story.
Facts About the Revolutionary War
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South Carolina was the site of over 400 battles, skirmishes and events during the Revolutionary-era, the second most in the United States.
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In 1775, Colonel William Moultrie was tasked with creating a flag for his troops. He selected the blue from the South Carolina militia’s uniforms, which were dyed with indigo – today’s official state color.
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Built from palmetto tree logs, sand, and clay, Fort Sullivan was able to withstand cannon fire from British ships during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776. The palmetto trees absorbed cannonball impacts, rather than splintering and shattering. Less than a week later, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the fort’s name was changed to Fort Moultrie in honor of its commander, Colonel William Moultrie.
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The best soldiers could reload a Revolutionary-era musket in 20 seconds.
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Charleston’s own tea party happened a full 13 days before the Boston Tea Party. Rather than dump it in the harbor, the tea was sold to fund the Revolution.
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One-third of all Revolutionary War casualties were in South Carolina.
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South Carolina had the Revolutionary War’s bloodiest battle, the Battle of Eutaw Springs, on September 8, 1781.
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80% of battle casualties were caused by edged weapons.
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African Americans and Native Americans in South Carolina fought on both sides of the Revolutionary War, as Patriots and as Loyalists.
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British and Loyalists evacuated Charleston in December 1782 prior to the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the war in 1783, recognizing the 13 American colonies’ independence.
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South Carolina saw more action than any other colony. There were over 200 battles and skirmishes fought within its borders. Because the population was deeply split between Patriots (Whigs) and Loyalists (Tories), much of the fighting was a brutal, neighbor-vs-neighbor civil war
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After the British captured Charleston in 1780 (the largest American surrender of the war), they thought the South was won. They were wrong. Two major battles in SC flipped the script:
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Kings Mountain (1780): A force of "Overmountain Men" (frontier riflemen) wiped out a Loyalist army. Thomas Jefferson called it "the turn of the tide."
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Cowpens (1781): General Daniel Morgan used a brilliant "pincer" maneuver to decimate elite British troops. This is considered one of the most masterfully planned battles in military history.
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When the Continental Army was spread thin, legendary SC leaders used guerrilla warfare to harass the British:
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Francis Marion ("The Swamp Fox"): Known for disappearing into the Lowcountry swamps after lightning-fast raids.
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Thomas Sumter ("The Fighting Gamecock"): A fierce leader whose house was burned by the British, sparking his relentless campaign of revenge.
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Andrew Pickens ("The Wizard Owl"): A respected Upstate leader known for his tactical skill and integrity.
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- Casualties: Approximately 30% of all American casualties during the entire Revolutionary War occurred in South Carolina.
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Charleston's Tea Party: Most people know about Boston, but Charleston had its own "Tea Party" 13 days earlier. Instead of throwing it in the harbor, they let it rot in a basement to prevent the British from collecting taxes on it
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Marion’s success came from guerrilla warfare—a style of fighting the British were completely unprepared for.
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Vanishing Acts: His men would emerge from the thick cypress swamps, strike a British supply line or outpost, and disappear back into the wilderness before the enemy could reload their muskets.
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Intelligence Networks: He used a sophisticated system of scouts, including Black soldiers and local farmers, to track British movements with pinpoint accuracy.
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Psychological Warfare: The British Colonel Banastre Tarleton, who gave Marion his nickname, once famously complained that even "the devil himself" couldn't catch the "Swamp Fox."
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If Marion was the master of the swamp, General Daniel Morgan was the master of the open field. On January 17, 1781, at a grazing area known as the Cowpens, Morgan pulled off a maneuver that is still taught at West Point today: the Double Envelopment.
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The Bait: Morgan placed his less-experienced militia in the front line. He told them to fire only two shots and then run away.
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The Trap: When the British saw the militia retreating, they thought they had won and charged forward in a disorganized rush.
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The Hammer: As the British charged, they ran straight into Morgan's elite "Continentals" (professional soldiers) and a hidden cavalry unit. The British were surrounded and nearly every soldier was killed or captured.
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