5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT The American Revolution
IN SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY
How well do you know your American Revolutionary War History?
Put your knowledge to the test with these 5 facts we can’t wait to share with you!
How the Swamp Fox
Earned his Name?
Francis Marion earned his nickname after the British chased him on a daunting 26 mile chase to Ox Swamp in Clarendon County. When the British were too weary to chase him any more, British lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton claimed “Let us go back, and we will find the Gamecock (General Thomas Sumter) , but as for this damned old fox (Francis Marion), the Devil himself could not catch him.”
“The Patriot” is Based
on Francis `Marion
If you’re a fan of Revolutionary War films, we’d like to encourage you to put a bag of popcorn in the microwave and find a comfy seat on the couch. The Patriot, directed by Roland Emmerich, follows Benjamin Martin on his journey to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution. This story is based on our old friend–the Swamp Fox. While not an exact retelling of Marion’s harrowing tales, this blockbuster hit showcases what life was like for the brave men who fought for freedom during the American Revolution. Not to mention, the movie was shot in South Carolina at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, making it one of our personal favorites.
The Origin of the SC State
Symbols/Indigo Flags and the Marsh Tacky horse
In 1775, Colonel William Moultrie received the task of designing a flag for his troops, which would serve as a symbol of their purpose during the Revolutionary War. He selected a striking shade of blue taken from the uniforms worn by the South Carolina militia, which were dyed with indigo. This choice laid the groundwork for a flag that would become a lasting emblem of pride. Today, indigo is recognized as the official state color of South Carolina, symbolizing the state’s rich history and the color of the SC State Flag. Legend has it that Francis Marion also preferred to ride a Marsh Tacky horse which is the state horse of South Carolina.
The Real Hero of the
Battle of Fort Motte
While it was the American forces who ultimately won the Battle of Fort Motte, the soldiers couldn’t have done it without the help of a brave woman named Rebecca Motte. She owned Mount Joseph Plantation and allowed American forces to burn the house down to defeat the British soldiers who had overtaken it. The most unique part? Motte even supplied the combustible arrows that rained down on enemy forces. After the battle, Mrs Motte served dinner to both the Pariot officers and the British officers. The dumb-bell cannon-ball is on display at the battle site.
The Bite-Sized Bravery
of Emily Geiger
Another woman who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War was Emily Geiger. Geiger was the young daughter of German farmer, John Geiger. She volunteered to be a courier during the war for American General Nathanael Greene. Her job was to deliver an urgent and top-secret message to General Thomas Sumter near Eutaw Springs. Geiger evaded the British forces once, but was later stopped by their soldiers on her route. While the soldiers had gone looking for a woman to search her, Geiger quickly memorized the message and destroyed the evidence by eating the paper! Since nothing was found on her person, the British sent her on her way. Geiger delivered the message to General Sumter near Eutaw Springs, allowing his forces to attack as planned.
