Rebecca Brewton Motte

Rebecca Brewton Motte was raised in privilege and inherited vast wealth that led to her sense of duty toward the American Revolution war efforts. Her family’s prominence included her father’s role as church warden for St. Philip’s Parish and Christ Church Parish and militia captain for two companies, and her brother’s status as a wealthy merchant and an elected official for the 2nd Provincial Congress. In 1775, tragedy struck as her brother’s family disappeared at sea. Rebecca inherited his Charles Town home and his plantation on the Congaree River in St. Matthews Parish, Orangeburg District, called Mount Joseph. Amid the Revolutionary War, she directed her plantation workforce to fortify Charles Town’s defenses, demonstrating unwavering commitment. When the British seized her home in 1780, making it their headquarters, Rebecca endured insults with dignity, caring for her invalid husband and sheltering her daughters. Rebecca and her family sought refuge at Mount Joseph, only to witness the British turn her plantation into Fort Motte. When the Continental Army, led by Lt. Col. Henry Lee and Gen. Francis Marion, moved to reclaim it, Rebecca played a crucial role, providing arrows to set the house ablaze, leading to the British surrender. Shortly after, she moved back to Charles Town. There she supported the Continental forces for five years, supplying provisions from her townhouse and plantation. By war’s end, she emerged as one of South Carolina’s wealthiest individuals, due to inheriting properties from her lost brother and late husband.