Washington and Tarleton duel at Cowpens. By Wm. Ranney

ravel the trail of colonial life and revolutionary resist-ance. Explore sites where eighteenth century Carolinians

lived, where contending armies were headquartered…Camden, OldSalem, and Hillsborough. See the battlefields of Kings Mountain,Cowpens, and Guilford Courthouse, where great armies fought, andAmerican independence was won. Explore life during that time—horrible war with brother fighting brother, great battles, small skir-mishes, fascinating strategy and even peaceful hamlets.

Many Carolinians living in the backcountry had resolved prior to1776 to resist authority, but the war hit them with full force after thefall of Charleston, SC, to the British in May of 1780. Then, deep inthe interior of the Carolinas, the persecution of area citizens byBritish Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s men stirred resentment. Later,the battle cry “Tarleton’s Quarter!” rallied the militia. The Patriotsstruck back with victories encouraging further resistance until thebackcountry was in an absolute state of rebellion. Lord CharlesCornwallis, retreating from Charlotte, called it a “hornet’s nest.”

Follow the path of the armies in the Carolinas’ Backcountry. Standin the shadows of courageous fighters who practiced guerilla war-fare. Rediscover the spirit of the American Revolution.

Come spend a few peaceful hours where the British spent a roughyear. After his success in Charleston, Lord Cornwallis immediatelycame to Camden and set up supply headquarters. The museumcomplex includes the 18th century town site, furnished 1789 CravenHouse, reconstructed and furnished Kershaw-Cornwallis House,reconstructed military fortifications and two log cabins with exhibits.Open except major holidays Tue-Sat 10–5, Sun. 2–5Self guided tour, movie, museum shop, picnic area & nature trail free.Guided tours, Tues.–Sun. Admission. Location: 222 Broad Street.Directions: From I-20 take exit 98. Turn onto Hwy. 521 towardCamden. The site is 1.4 miles on the right. Telephone: 803-432-9841 email: hiscamden@camden.netwww.historic-camden.net

Winnsboro, named after the prominent Patriot leader RichardWinn, was settled in 1775. Its self-guided walking tour features aview of the Cornwallis House, the winter headquarters for theBritish general. Lord Cornwallis gave Fairfield County (whereWinnsboro is located) its name in 1780. While he and his troopsoccupied the town, he looked over the countryside and remarked,“What fair fields.”

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9–5 Chamber at Town Clock. Walking Tours,Brochures available on weekends from the downtown merchants.Directions: Hwy. 34 turns into Hwy. 321 Business, which becomesSouth Congress Street. The Town Clock is on the right in the centerof downtown. Telephone: 803-635-4242 www.fairfieldchamber.org

Lord Cornwallis crossed Lands Ford in his march from Charlotte toWinnsboro after the Battle of Kings Mountain. General ThomasSumter, the “Gamecock” used the area as a meeting place andcampsite. General William Richardson Davie, who fought withSumter, served as governor of North Carolina and later retired to ahome overlooking the ford. Now, the site is Landsford Canal StatePark with the remains of an early 19th century canal and 18th cen-tury log cabin. Admission charged.

Hours: Daily 9–6. Directions: 12 miles south of Rock Hill, SC offHwy. 21, 2051 Park Drive, Catawba, SC 29704Telephone: 803-789-5800 www.discoversouthcarolina.com

¡Boyhood home of President Andrew Jackson, nestled in the heart ofthe Waxhaws. The British repeatedly ravaged this frontier settlementbecause of its inhabitants fierce support for the Revolution. Thishomeplace is now Andrew Jackson State Park featuring a museum,interpreting the South Carolina Backcountry life and a replica 18thcentury schoolhouse. Admission charged.

Hours: November–March 8–6, April–October 9–9Directions: Located nine miles north of Lancaster on Hwy. 521,196 Andrew Jackson Park Road, Lancaster, SC 29720Telephone: 803-285-3344 southcarolinaparks.com

On July 12, 1780, British forces under Captain Christian Huck weresurrounded and defeated by combined rebel forces. This event,which is now known as the Battle of Huck’s Defeat, was a majormorale booster for the Backcountry citizens. The battlefield is pre-served within Historic Brattonsville, a living history museum inter-preting life in the Carolina Backcountry from 1780 to 1860. Eachyear the Battle of Huck’s Defeat is reenacted during the secondweekend of July.

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10–5 Sun. 1–5. Open year round. Closed:Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day & Christmas Eve and day. ScheduledLiving History Programs feature costumed interpreters. Directions:From Charlotte, take I-77 south to exit 82B. Travel southwest onCherry Road. Proceed through Rock Hill. Cherry Road becomesHighway 322. Follow Highway 322 approx. 10 miles. Turn left ontoBrattonsville Road and proceed two miles to the Visitor Center.Telephone: 803-684-2327 www.chmuseums.org

Colonial reenactment at Historic Brattonsville, SC.

Now a National Park Service area, this important backcountry cross-roads town was the site of the first Revolutionary War land battlesouth of New England in 1775. In May 1781, after a 28–day siege,Loyalist forces held off a determined attack by Gen. Greene’s Patriotarmy. Within a month of Greene’s departure, the British realizedthey could not hold the area and burned the town, thus abandoningthe still-intact earthen Star Fort and all of the backcountry to thePatriot forces.Featured at Ninety Six National Historic Site is theBritish Star fort, a well preserved 18th century earthwork. Free film.

Hours: 8–5 daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’sDay. Location: From Greenwood, SC take Hwy 34 East to Hwy 248South at Ninety Six and follow signs. From I-26 take Hwy 34 West atthe Newberry exit, 30 miles to Ninety Six, then follow signs.Telephone: 864-543-4068 www.nps.gov/nisi

The Catawba Indians fought on the side of the colonists and sup-ported them in the American Revolution. Today their heritage andculture are preserved through exhibits and videos at their CulturalCenter. A nature trail can be explored going from the centerto the Catawba River, the focal point of Catawba life. Tours availablefor individuals. Gift shopfeatures authentic handmade Catawba pottery, other Native Ameri-can crafts, booksand items.

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9–5.1536 Tom Stevens Rd.Directions: From I-77,take exit 79. Go towardthe Galleria Mall. At secondlight, follow signs to the CatawbaCultural Center. Telephone: 803-328-2427 w w w. c c p p c r a f t s . c o m

Cheraw was part of the British strategic line of defense that includ-ed Camden. General Gates’ army traveled near here on the way tothe Battle of Camden. General Nathanael Greene set up “CampCheraw”, the “Southern Valley Forge”, in the winter of 1780. TheLyceum Museum on the Town Green has displays on the period. Keysfor historic sites and brochures available at the Chamber of Commerceon the south side of the Green on Market Street. Used as a hospitaland quarters by both sides, Old St. David’s Church, c. 1770, was thelast Anglican Church built in South Carolina and both British andAmerican soldiers are buried in its cemetery. Directions: US 1 or US52 or SC 9 to Market St. Church St, one block south of Market St.Telephone: 888-537-0014 Toll free. www.cheraw.com

The Catawba Indian Village interprets 400 years of southeast NativeAmerican history through replicated structures. The 18th CenturyBackcountry Farm showcases the life of the early settlers from thisregion through six log buildings and living history presentations. Call for admission.

Hours: Museum Exhibits & Nature Trail: Mon–Sat. 9–5, Sun. 1–5.Native American Village and Backcountry Farm: hours vary season-ally; call for current schedule and upcoming programs.Directions: I-85 south from Charlotte. Exit at Cox Road or NewHope Road. Follow signs to Schiele Museum.Location: 1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC. 28054Telephone: 704-866-6900 www.schielemuseum.org

The “Rock House”, built in 1774, where revolution buzzed like a hor-net’s nest, was the home of Hezekiah Alexander, one of North Carolina’smost venerated citizens. He was one of 27 signers of the MecklenburgDeclaration of Independence and co-framed the North Carolina StateConstitution and Bill of Rights. This Historic dwelling, from theAmerican Revolutionary War era, is situated on its original site and canbe toured with docents dressed in authentic 18th Century costumes.

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10–5. Sun. 1–5. (June 1–August 31) Tours 1:15& 3:15 Group tours by appointment. Admission Charged. Location: 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC. 28215Telephone: 704-568-1774 www.charlottemuseum.org

Kershaw-Cornwallis House, Camden, SC.

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Living History can be found at many sites.

Although the Moravians in Salem took no active military role in theRevolution, their neutrality was tested by both sides. Salem wasbriefly occupied by the British in February of 1781. Moravians cele-brated war’s end with a day of thanksgiving. Today, Old Salem is oneof the country’s most authentic living history towns. Call for rates.

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9:30–4:30, Sun. 1–5Location: Off I-40 (exit 193B) and U.S. 52 (exit 108C )Winston-Salem, NC 27108 www.oldsalem.orgTelephone: 888-OLD-SALEM or 336-721-7350

To check the invasion of North Carolina by Lord Cornwallis’ 2,200redcoats, Major General Nathanael Greene deployed 4,400 rebels atGuilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781. Cornwallis held the fieldafter a fierce two-hour fight, but lost one-quarter of his army, has-tening his eventual defeat at Yorktown. Free admission.

Hours: Everyday 8:30am–5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Location: 2332 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC. 27410-2355Telephone: 336-288-1776 www.nps.gov/guco

Tannenbaum Historic Park preserves a portion of the 18th centuryfarmstead of Joseph Hoskins. During the Revolutionary War Battle ofGuilford Courthouse, Hoskins’ land served as a staging area forBritish troops under Cornwallis’ command.Historic buildings, Explore History programs and The ColonialHeritage Center exhibits depict life before, during and after the Battleof Guilford Courthouse. Free Admission. Call for tours of historic district.

Hours: Tues.–Sat. 10–4Location: 2200 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC. 27410Telephone: 336-545-5315 email: history@greensboro-nc.govwww.march1781.org

From maps and weapons to documents from General Greene andGeorge Washington, an 18th Century restored house, and objects fromthe Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the Revolutionary War enthusiastswill revel in the Museum’s wealth of displays. Free admission.Renovations during 2009-10 – call ahead for exhibit availability.

Hours: Tues.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. 2–5, Closed city holidays.Location: 130 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC. 27401Telephone: 336-373-2043 www.greensborohistory.org

In the Battle of Alamance (May 16, 1771), Royal Governor WilliamTryon led North Carolina militia that crushed an army of rebelliousbackcountry farmers, ending the War of Regulation. The battle wasillustrative of the dissatisfaction of a large segment of the colonialpopulation that would later participate in the struggle for independ-ence. Free admission.

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9–5Location: 5803 South NC. Hwy. 62, Burlington,NC. 27215Directions: Six miles south of I-85/40, Exit 143, NC Hwy 62,Telephone: 336-227-4785 www.alamancebattleground.nchistoricsites.org--

-Hillsborough, site of the 1775 Provincial Congress, was occupied bythe American and British armies during the Revolution. Col. DavidFanning’s Tory raiders captured Governor Thomas Burke inSeptember 1781, precipitating the Battle of Lindley’s Mill.Hillsborough is also the site of the momentous ConstitutionalConvention of 1788 where delegates demanded a Bill of Rightsbefore they would ratify the US Constitution. Guided walking toursare offered by appointment, beginning at the Orange County Visitor’sCenter. The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough.Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9–5, Sat. 10–4, Sun. 12–4Location: 150 E. King St., Hillsborough, NC. 27278Telephone: 919-732-7741 Fax 919-732-6322email: alliance@historichillsborough.org

This is a Quaker community, where British soldiers camped after theBattle of Guilford Courthouse. It is also the site of an outdoor sum-mer drama depicting the role of the Quakers in the AmericanRevolution. “Sword of Peace” runs June 26–August 30, 8:00 pm. Fee: Adults $15., seniors $13., under 12 $7.Hours: July 1–Aug 14, 8:00 PMSnow Camp Historical Drama Society, 1 Drama Road, Snow CampDirections: I–85/40, exit 145, 15 miles south on NC. Hwy. 49Telephone: 800-726-5115 www.snowcampdrama.com

Once the home of Phillip Alston, a Whig colonel, the House in theHorseshoe was the site of fighting during the Revolution and still bearsthe scars of the war. On the morning of July 29, 1781, while Alston andhis band of Patriots were camped at the house, they were attacked bya larger group of Tories led by David Fanning. During the ensuing skir-mish, the Tories attempted to set the house on fire by rolling againstit a cart filled with burning straw. Alston surrendered after both sidestook several casualties. The house remains riddled with bullet holes.www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/horsesho/horsesho.htm

Hours: Tues.–Sat. 9–5,(May-Oct). Closed Sundays, Mondays, official holidays. Location: 324 Alston House Road, Sanford, NC. 27330Phone: 910-947-2051 www.houseinthehorseshoe.nchistoricsites.org

The oldest standing house in Wadesboro, it was built by Patrick Boggan in1796 and given to his daughter, Eleanor, when she married WilliamHammond. Now owned by the Anson County Historical Society, it has beenrestored and operated as a historic house museum. It contains period fur-nitire dating to 1775. Patrick Boggan served as a captain during theRevolutionary War. Boggan and his brother-in-law, Col. Thomas Wade,founded in 1783, the town that became the county seat of Anson County.It was renamed Wadesborough in 1787 after the death of Col. Wade.

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10–4, and by appointment.Location: 206 East Wade St., Wadesboro, NC. 28170 (1 block from square)Telephone: 704-694-6694 http://home.alltel.net/ansonhistorical

-The Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by Patriotmilitia over Loyalist forces during the Southern Campaign of theRevolutionary War. The October 7, 1780 battle destroyed the leftwing of Cornwallis’ army and effectively ended Loyalist’s dominancein the Carolinas. The film, “The Battle of Kings Mountain”, isshown daily in the park visitor center (Free). Other attractionsinclude museum exhibits, battlefield trail, and a bookstore.Recreational facilities including 119 camping sites, picnic area withshelters and fishing can be found at the adjoining Kings MountainState Park.

Open Daily: 9–5. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.Location: 2625 Park Rd. (SC Highway 216) off I-85, Exit 2, Blacksburg.Telephone: 864-936-7921. www.nps.gov/kimo

On January 17, 1781, in fighting that lasted less than an hour at theCowpens, a Patriot army under General Daniel Morgan destroyed acrack British unit commanded by the feared and hated lieutenantColonel Banastre Tarleton. Scholars and many visitors study this his-torically and militarily significant American Revolutionary War battle. Park facilities include a Visitor Center with artifacts and audio-visu-al programs; a picnic area, battlefield trail and nature trail.Admission FREE.Hrs: 9–5. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s day.

Directions: From I-85 northbound, take exit 83. Turn left onto Hwy110, about 8 miles. At the intersection of Hwys 110, 11, and 221-A,turn right. The park is on the right.From I-85 southbound, take Exit 92 at Gaffney, west towardChesnee on Hwy 11., the park is about 10 miles on the left. From I-26 eastbound, take exit 5, east toward Chesnee on Hwy 11.The park is about 20 miles on the right.From I-26 westbound, take I-85 north. Take exit 83. Turn left ontoHwy 110. At the intersection of Hwys 110, 11 and 221-A turn right.The park is on the right.Telephone: 864-461-2828 www.nps.gov/cowp

Olde English District Commission - 1-800-968-5909(Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union & York counties)

Rock Hill/York County Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-800-866-5200 www.visityorkcounty.com

Camden/Kershaw County Tourism - 1-800-968-4037 www.camden-sc.orgCheraw Visitors Bureau - 888-537-0014 www.cheraw.com

Discover Upcountry Carolina Association - 1-800-849-4766 www.theupcountry.com

(Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee & Spartanburg counties)Old 96 District - 1-800-849-9633 www.sctravelold96.com

(Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens & McCormick counties)

Burlington/Alamance County Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-800-637-3804www.burlington-area-nc.org

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau - 1-888-968-2060 www.chocvb.org

Charlotte Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-800-231-4636www.charlottecvb.org

Gaston County Travel & Tourism - 1-800-849-9994 www.gaston.orgGreensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - 1-800-344-2282

www.greensboronc.orgWinston Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau - 1-800-331-7018

www.visitwinstonsalem.com

This publication printed as a cooperative effort betweenNorth Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development and

South Carolina Parks, Recreation and TourismFOR A FREE STATE MAP AND TRAVEL GUIDE CALL:

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North Carolina

South Carolina

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Annual reenactments at sites on anniversaries.

In August of 1780 a detachment of American militia engaged anddefeated a superior British force near Musgrove’s Mill on the EnoreeRiver. Occurring at a time when American prospects for winning theRevolution seemed to grow dimmer by the day, the success atMusgrove’s Mill bolstered patriot morale in the CarolinaBackcountry. The site includes a museum, access to the scenicEnoree river, a fishing pond and interpretive programs. Admission charged.

Hours: Grounds 9–6. Visitor Center Thur–Mon 10–5, closed Tueand Wed, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day.Location: from I-26 take Hwy 56 north, then follow signs.Telephone: 864-938-0100 www.discoversouthcarolina.com

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South CarolinaSmiling Faces. Beautiful Places.®

1-800-996-6445www.DISCOVERSOUTH

CAROLINA.COM

NC Department of CommerceDivision of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, within constraints of scheduling & printing technology.

The trail follows the route of the campaign of the AmericanPatriot army that decisively defeated an American Loyalistarmy, led by Major Patrick Ferguson, at the battle of KingsMountain, South Carolina, in the dark days of the fall of1780. The trail stretches some 330 miles from Abingdon,Virginia, through Eastern Tennessee, over the high moun-tains of North Carolina, across the Piedmont of North andSouth Carolina including the eastern spur fromElkin, NCwhich joins the main portion in Morganton. The non-motorized portion of the trail is under development withcertified sections existing in areas such as Gilbert Townnear Rutherfordton where additional site amenities arebeing developed. Other opportunities to retrace the route ofthe Patriot army are found in Elkin, Wilkesboro,Morganton, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and McDowelland Polk counties in North Carolina. Refer to the NationalPark Service map to drive or walk the route.Info: Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail; NationalPark Service.Telephone: 864-936-3477 http://www.nps.gov/ovvi

Below are Overmountain Victory sites of interest:

Fort DefianceSite of a fort during the Revolution and later home of General Lenoir after the war, the area includes a historic home and gravesites. Present house built in 1792. Thur–Sat, 10am–5pm. Sun 1-5pm.1792 Ft Defiance Dr (US 268) Lenoir NC 28645Telephone: 828-758-1671 www.fortdefiancenc.org

Orchard at AltapassThe present day orchard includes reenactments and storytelling recounting the march and two miles of certified trail. Open dailyexcept Tuesday from May 15 to November 15, 10am-6pm. 1025 Orchard Road, Milepost 328.3 Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, NC 28777Telephone: 888-765-9531 www.AltapassOrchard.com

Quaker MeadowsPatriot soldiers from Virginia, Tennessee, and Wilkes and Surry Counties gathered near this site to lay plans to defeat the British. Area includes historic home and grounds. Sunday 2-4pm plus special events and private tours.119 St. Mary’s Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655www.historicburke.org/quakermeadows.html

The fife and drum both entertained and signaled.

Hours, admissions and schedule subject to change at listed attractions.

T“Here began the first link in a chain of evils that followed each other inregular succession until they at last ended in the total loss of America.”

GreensboroWinston Salem

Greenwood

Greenville

Columbia

Winnsboro RidgewayCamden

Union

McConnells

York

RockHill

Chester

GreatFalls

Lancaster

Cheraw

Wadesboro

Gastonia

ElkinWilkesboro

MorgantonSalisbury

Sanford

Burlington Hillsborough

SnowCamp

Charlotte

Raleigh

The American Revolutionin the Carolinas’ Backcountry

The Carolinas’Backcountry Trail

Top above: Statue of General Nathanael Greene, Greensboro, NC.Above: Reenactors at Tannenbaum Historic Park, Greensboro, NC.Below: McDowell house at Quaker Meadows.

m May ‘08 USA

1. Historic Camden

2. Winnsboro

3. Landsford Canal State Park

4. Andrew Jackson State Park

5. Historic Brattonsville

6. Kings Mountain National Military Park

7. Cowpens National Battlefield

8. Musgrove’s Mill State Historic Site

9. Schiele Museum of Natural History

10. Hezekiah Alexander Homesite

11. Old Salem

12. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

13. Tannenbaum Historic Park

14. Greensboro Historical Museum

15. Alamance Battleground State Historic Site

16. Hillsborough

17. Snow Camp Community & Drama Site

18. House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site

SIDE TRIPS…along the way

A. Ninety Six National Historic Site

B. Catawba Cultural Center

C. Cheraw

D. Boggan-Hammond House

O. Overmountain Victory National

Historic Trail

May 1771–Alamance, North Carolina: Prior to the revolution,backcountry farmers (Regulators) battled the British RoyalGovernor Tryon’s troops.

November 19–21, 1775–First Siege of Ft.Ninety Six: Loyalistmilitia commanded by Maj. Joseph Robinson besieged Patriotmilitia under Maj. Andrew Williamson at Fort Ninety Six,Greenwood County, SC, the first land battle of AmericanRevolution in South Carolina.

December 22, 1775–Battle of Great Canebrake: Patriot mili-tia under Col. Richard Richardson defeated Loyalist militia underMaj. Patrick Cunningham at Great Canebrake on the Reedy River,Greenville County, NC.

June 1776–October, 1776–Cherokee Campaign: After thepro–British Cherokee Indians went to war on the frontiers of NCand SC, over 2000 backcountry militia under Gen. AndrewWilliamson of SC and Gen. Griffith Rutherford of NC launched anextensive campaign against them, destroyed many Cherokee townsin western SC, western NC and northern Georgia and forced theCherokee to sue for peace.

May 9– 12, 1780–Siege of Charleston: The British army andnavy under Sir Henry Clinton captured Charleston, SC and anentire American army of some 5000 men under Gen. BenjaminLincoln.

May 29, 1780–Buford’s Defeat or Battle of the Waxhaws: Some350 Virginia Continentals under Col. Abraham Buford were defeat-ed by British Legion dragoons commanded by Lt. Col. BanastreTarleton in the Waxhaw settlement, Lancaster County, SC.

June 6, 1780–Battle of Beckhamville or Alexander’s OldField: Patriot militia under Capt. John McClure defeated Loyalistmilitia under Capt. Henry Houseman near Great Falls in ChesterCounty, SC.

June 8, 1780–Battle of Mobley’s Meetinghouse: Loyalist militiaunder Col. Cahrles Coleman were dispersed by Patriot militia under Capt.John McClure, Col. Edward Lacey, and Col. William Bratton in FairfieldCounty, SC.

under Maj. James Wemyss launched an unsuccessful night attackon Gen. Sumter’s troops at Fishdam Ford on Broad River, ChesterCounty, SC.

November 20, 1780–Battle of Blackstock’s Plantation:Sumter won an important victory over Tarleton at Blackstocks,Union County, SC, but Sumter was seriously wounded during thebattle.

December 3, 1780–Greene assumed command: Maj. Gen.Nathanael Greene arrived in Charlotte, NC and assumed com-mand of the Southern Continental Army from Gen. Gates.

December 30, 1780–Battle of Hammond’s Store:Continentals and SC militia under Lt. Col. William Washingtonrouted Loyalist militia under Brig. Gen. Robert Cunningham inLaurens County, SC.

January 17, 1781–Battle of Cowpens: British forces under Lt.Col. Tarleton suffered a disastrous defeat at the hands of AmericanContinentals and Patriot militia under Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan atthe Cowpens in Cherokee County, SC.

February 1, 1781–Battle of Cowan’s Ford: Having reenteredNC, Cornwallis’s troops were stopped at Cowan’s Ford on theCatawba River, Lincoln–Mecklenburg Counties, NC, by GenWilliam Lee Davidson. The British then outflanked and defeatedthe Americans and Davidson was killed in the battle.

February 25, 1781–Pyle’s Defeat: Loyalist militia under Col.John Pyle were attacked and defeated by Continental dragoons andPatriot militia under Lt. Col. Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee inAlamance County, NC.

March 2, 1781–Battle of Clapp’s Mill: “Lighthorse Harry” Lee’sdragoons ambushed Tarleton’s cavalry at Clapp’s Mill in AlamanceCounty, NC.

March 15, 1781–Battle of Guilford Courthouse: Lord

June 17, 1780–Battle of Hill’s Ironworks: British Legion dra-goons and Loyalist militia under Capt. Christian Huck destroyedCol. William Hill’s ironworks in York County, SC.

June 20, 1780–Battle of Ramsour’s Mill: NC Patriot militiaunder Col. Francis Locke defeated Lt. Col. John Moore’s Loyalistmilitia at Ramsour’s Mill, Lincoln County, NC.

July 12, 1780–Battle of Williamson’s Plantation or Huck’ sDefeat: SC Patriot militia under Cols. Andrew Neal, William Bratton,Edward Lacey and Richard Winn defeated Bristish Provincials andLoyalist militia under Capt. Christian Huck at Williamson’s Plantation,York County, SC.

July 12, 1780–Battle of Cedar Spring: Loyalist militia attempt-ed a night ambush on Col. John Thomas’s Patriot militia camp atCedar Spring near Spartanburg, SC, but were repulsed thanks to awarning from Thomas’s mother.

July 14, 1780–Battle of Earle’s Ford: British Provincials andLoyalist militia under Maj. James Dunlap attacked Patriot militiafrom NC, SC and Georgia under Brig. Gen. Charles McDowell atEarle’s Ford on North Pacolet River, Spartanburg County, SC.

July 21, 1780–Battle of Colson’s Mill: NC troops under Brig.Gen. William Lee Davidson defeated Col. Samuel Bryan’s Loyalistmilitia on the Pee Dee River, Stanly–Richmond Counties, NC,Davidson was seriously wounded in the fight.

July 30, 1780–Battle of Rocky Mount: SC and NC Patriot militiaunder Brig. Gen. Thomas “Gamecock” Sumter launched anunsuccessful attack on the British fort at Rocky Mount, FairfieldCounty, SC.

July 30, 1780–First Battle of Hanging Rock: Col. William R.Davie made a diversionary attack on the British camp at HangingRock while Gen. Sumter attacked Rocky Mount.

August 6, 1780–Second Battle of Hanging Rock: A second

attack on Hanging Rock by Gen. Sumter and Col. Davie inflictedheavy casualties on British Provincials and Loyalist militias butfailed to capture the British camp.

August 8, 1780–Battle of Wofford’s Ironworks: Col. IsaacShelby of NC and Col. Elijah Clarke of Georgia defeated Britishtroops under Maj. James Dunlap at Wofford’s Ironworks,Spartanburg County, SC.

August 16, 1780–Battle of Camden: The British army underLord Charles Cornwallis completely routed the American army ofGen. Horatio Gates near Camden, Kershaw County, SC. This battlewas the worst American defeat of the Revolution and opened theway for Cornwallis to advance into NC in September.

August 18, 1780–Battle of Fishing Creek: British troops underLt. Col. Tarleton defeated Gen Sumter’s Patriot militia in a sur-prise attack at Fishing Creek, Chester County, SC.

August 18, 1780–Battle of Musgrove’s Mill: Patriot militiaunder Cols. Isaac Shelby, Elijah Clarke and James Williams defeat-ed Provincials and Loyalists under Lt. Col. Alexander Innes atMusgrove’s Mill on Enoree River, Union–Laurens County, SC.

September 26, 1780–Battle of Charlotte: Col. William Davie’sriflemen slowed the advance of Lord Cornwallis’s army, but couldnot stop the British troops from capturing and occupyingCharlotte, NC.

October 7, 1780–Battle of Kings Mountain: Backcounty mili-tia from Virginia, NC, SC and Georgia under Col. William Campbelldefeated British Provincials and Loyalist militia under Maj. PatrickFerguson at Kings Mountain, York County, SC. Ferguson’s Defeatdestroyed Cornwallis’s plans for an early invasion of NC andforced him to withdraw to Winnsboro, Fairfield County, SC, for thewinter.

November 8, 1780–Battle of Fishdam Ford: British dragoons

Cornwallis engaged Gen. Greene at Guilford Courthouse, GuilfordCounty, NC, in one of the largest land battles of the war, Greenewithdrew after inflicting heavy casualties on the British.

April 25, 1781–Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill: British army underLord Francis Rawdon attacked Gen. Greene’s American army atHobkirks’s Hill in Kershaw County, SC. Once again the Britishclaimed victory but suffered heavy casualties.

May 22–June 19, 1781–Second Siege of Ft. Ninety Six:Greene besieged the British forces at Fort Ninety Six but wasforced to withdraw as Lord Rawdon advanced with a large army.

August 5, 1781–House in the Horseshoe: Loyalist militiaunder Col. David Fanning captured Patriots under Col. PhilipAlston at Alston’s home (the “House in the Horseshoe”) on theDeep River, Moore County, NC.

September 8, 1781–Battle of Eutaw Springs: Greene engagedthe British under Col. Alexander Stewart at Eutaw Springs,Orangeburg County, SC, both sides suffered heavy casualties, butGreene’s troops won the field.

September 13, 1781–Battle of Lindley’s Mill: MarylandContinentals under Col. Otho Williams made an unsuccessfulattempt to recapture NC Gov. Thomas Burke from Fanning’sLoyalists.

October 17, 1781–Surrender at Yorktown: The British armyunder Lord Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. George Washington atYorktown, VA.

December 14, 1782–Evacuation of Charleston: The lastBritish troops in South Carolina evacuated Charleston.

Carolinas’ Backcountry TimelineShown above: located in Cheraw, St. David’s Church was used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War.Shown below: Guilford Courthouse reenactment, Greensboro.

NorthCarolina

SouthCarolina

Overmountain Victory

Trail

Rutherfordton

Spruce PineLenoir

Colonial reenactment at theTannenbaum Park, Greensboro, NC.