get ready to Celebrate the
American Revolution in Santee Cooper Country
July 4th, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Get to know our local hero General Francis Marion and see the sites where he and his militia fought the American Revolutionary War. Visit his burial site located in Berkeley County and step back in history to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary!


Colonial life in South Carolina was nothing like it is today with cities, interstates and technology. Settlers here in the south were largely dependent upon themselves and neighbors; however, they were definitely proud and loyal subjects to the British. When tensions began forming between the Colonists and the British over taxes being levied on the Colonists; and where once loyalty and pride were evident, many began realizing that their British King and Parliament thought of them as inferior. The Stamp Act (1765) imposed a tax for the use of products such as paper, newspapers and documents. When taxes were levied on necessary items like tobacco, sugar and tea; the stage was set for years of battles in the backcountry of South Carolina. Remember the saying “if someone is backed into a corner, they will come out fighting?”, well, let’s just say the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution proved this saying to be true.
Militia men, such as local hero General Francis Marion, found themselves fighting large, trained conventional permanent British military forces. What the British was unprepared for fighting against the settlers was their experience in survival skills in the new country. Settlers had learned to defend their homes and property by using firearms, hunting, experience with fighting native Americans and learning to live and adapt to a life in a wilderness area that included swamps and sweltering summer heat. Want to find out more about our southern heritage and our involvement in the American Revolution and the Southern Campaign? Plan your visit to Santee Cooper Country where you can get to know our local hero Francis Marion and see sites where he and his militia men fought and visit his burial site located in Berkeley County.
Meet the
Swamp Fox
Militia men, such as local hero General Francis Marion, found themselves fighting large, trained conventional permanent British military forces. What the British was unprepared for fighting against the settlers was their experience in survival skills in the new country. Settlers had learned to defend their homes and property by using firearms, hunting, experience with fighting native Americans and learning to live and adapt to a life in a wilderness area that included swamps and sweltering summer heat.

Francis Marion
Brigadier General
( c. 1732 – February 27, 1795)
Explore
SCC Revovlutionary
war history
Interactive Tours
Discover the rich history of Santee Cooper Country with their interactive itineraries library, created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. These thoughtfully crafted itineraries guide visitors through the region’s historic landmarks, battlefields, and stories that shaped our nation’s independence. Perfect for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, each itinerary combines cultural exploration with scenic charm, offering a unique way to commemorate this pivotal moment in American history. Start your journey today and connect with the legacy of the Revolution like never before!
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