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.