Clarendon County
Clarendon County is home to six Revolutionary War sites on The Liberty Trail, all significant Francis Marion sites: Fort Watson, Great Savannah, Halfway Swamp, Ox Swamp, Tearcoat Swamp and Wyboo Swamp.
Clarendon County is also known for its noble deeds. Francis Marion, also known as the Swamp Fox, was a hero of the Revolutionary War who rescued 150 prisoners during the Battle of Nelson’s Ferry in August 1780.
Visiting Clarendon County is an opportunity to explore its rich history. The Clarendon County Historical Society Museum and the Clarendon County Archives are just some of the many treasures to be discovered along the county’s historic path.
Nearby Historical Sites
Nearby Events
County Committee Contact Info
Contact: Carole Summers
Contact Phone Number: 803-460-9626
Contact Email: gcsummers@ftc-i.net
Historic Highlights
Siege of Fort Watson
Colonel Harry Lee and Lee’s Legion from Virginia had joined General Francis Marion and Marion’s Brigade on the Black River on April 14, 1781. Marion and Lee elected to capture the British fort, which was built in December 1780. Fort Watson was on the Santee River and beside Scott’s Lake. Lee and Marion were tasked to secure the area and to get badly needed supplies. They laid siege to the fort. The cannon never arrived. “Col. Maham contrived to raise a tower of logs, so high that it overtopped the fort.” The tower was erected over night after collecting saplings for several days. The use of the tower by the McCottry riflemen at sunrise led to the quick surrender of Fort Watson by Lt. James McKay on the morning of April 23, 1781. The plan of building a tower was used at other engagements. This was the final Battle of Fort Watson and cut the British supply line to Camden.
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Plan your next adventure exploring the history, stories, people and places in South Carolina that helped shape the American Revolution.
Charleston played a crucial role in the Revolution. Explore the history, stories, people and places that changed the course of history.
