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Battle of Kingstree

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SC Picture Project / Williamsburg County / Battle of Kingstree

Historians now refer to the intelligence-gathering mission ordered by General Francis Marion as more of a skirmish than a battle. Still, the incident, which occurred in present-day Kingstree, proved useful in giving General Marion the information he needed to avoid what likely would have been a losing battle later.

BAttle of Kingstree Marker

Linda Brown of Kingstree, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

 

Major James Wemyss of the 63rd Regiment and his men had been terrorizing people throughout Williamsburgh District (now Williamsburg County) under direction from Lord Cornwallis. People’s homes were raided and burned by the Loyalists as they pilfered arms and horses before leaving the area in destruction. The original Indiantown Presbyterian Church was said to have been destroyed in this incursion.

General Marion sent a small group of partisans led by Major John James to hide near Wemyss’ post in Kingstree and assess the strength of the British troops. On the night of August 27, 1780, James and his men advanced on the Loyalists, killing or wounding 15 men and capturing 15 more. However, the militia group was not unscathed in the ambush; the British killed five of James’ men, wounded 15, and captured 10. The information that was delivered to Marion as a result of the mission indicated that the British force was too large to allow Marion and his men any success, so the militia withdrew to eastern North Carolina to bide their time until they could return and fight.

The location of the skirmish is thought to have occurred somewhere near Kellahan Park.

Many thanks to Linda Brown for contributing the above photo and much of the information.

Plan Your Trip: Battle of Kingstree

Where is Battle of Kingstree located?
Address: West Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556
GPS Coordinates: 33.672694,-79.840181
What else should I see?
St. Ann Catholic Church 0.4 mile
Kingstree United Methodist Church 0.5 mile
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church 0.9 mile
Cooper Brothers Gin 0.9 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Kingstree Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Military
  • See other South Carolina Revolutionary War
    Battle of Kingstree Map

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    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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