Leaders and Locations in the Revolutionary War

The British wanted to use Charles Town as a base from which to plan attacks on other colonies. They were not able to, because Colonel William

Moultrie and the South Carolina troops successfully defended Charles Town at

Fort Sullivan on Sullivan’s Island. This fort was made of palmetto logs and sand, so it could absorb the bombardment from British naval vessels and remain undamaged! The British ships became stuck on a sand bar and were significantly damaged. During the fighting, however, the fort’s flag was shot down. Risking his life, William Jasper retrieved the flag and returned it to its position above the fort and became a state hero! Later, the fort was renamed Fort Moultrie in honor of Colonel William Moultrie.

Since the British were unsuccessful in Charles Town in 1776, they focused their attention on the colonies to the north (like Massachusetts—Boston). After

4 years up north, the British returned to Charles Town in 1780. They hoped to find lots of people still loyal to the king. There were a lot of Loyalists in South

Carolina and even more that didn’t want to get involved. After a long battle with the British blocking the ports, the city fell to the British. The men of Charles Town had to sign an oath to fight for the British. Many refused, escaped the city, and found other groups to fight with against the British.

Because the British were so mean while they were occupying Charles Town, many men formed militias to help the Continental Army. Thomas Sumter’s home was burned by British soldiers, so he led a militia against the British in the backcountry. He was very good at surprise attacks and then disappearing into the woods. His nickname was “The Gamecock.” Francis Marion was known as “The

Swamp Fox.” He would lead surprise attacks on the British in the swamps of the low country. Andrew Pickens, nicknamed “The Wizard Owl” by upcountry Native

Americans, was a backcountry farmer who joined the militia when the British burned his farm.

The British marched north from Charles Town. Most men escaped to

Tennessee and North Carolina to find Patriots to help them fight the British. At

King’s Mountain, the Patriots surrounded and defeated a force of Loyalists. The

Loyalists were led by Patrick Ferguson, the only British soldier on the battlefield!

Most of the Loyalist force was killed, including Major Patrick Ferguson. Kings

Mountain was a big victory for the Patriots and a turning point in the war.