What did Francis Marion do in the Revolutionary War?
Francis Marion. Francis Marion (c. 1732 – February 27, 1795) was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Acting with the Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, he was a persistent adversary of the British in their occupation of South Carolina and Charleston in 1780 and 1781,...
How old was Francis Marion in 1782?
By the time of the Revolutionary War’s Southern Campaigns of 1780–1782, enterprising 48-year-old Patriot partisan General Francis Marion did everything in his power to effectuate Rogers’s concepts in the Carolinas following the surrender of Charleston.
Who is Francis Marion?
Francis Marion. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Francis Marion (c. 1732 – February 27, 1795) was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
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What role did Francis Marion play in the Revolutionary War?
Francis Marion (1732-1795) was one of the most successful partisan military leaders of the American Revolutionary War. He led bands of guerrillas in several victories against British and Britain-allied Colonists, from whom he received the name “Swamp Fox” for his craftiness in eluding pursuit in the Carolina swamps.
Who is Francis Marion and why is he important?
General Brigadier Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox," was one of the fathers of modern guerilla warfare. The Patriot, a film by Mel Gibson, was influenced by Marion's military exploits. A Georgetown native, Marion was famous for his uncanny ability to elude and outsmart British forces.
What battles did Francis Marion fight in the Revolutionary War?
A state-erected information sign at Marion's gravesite on the former Belle Isle Plantation shows that he was engaged in twelve major battles and skirmishes in a two-year period: Black Mingo Creek on September 28, 1780; Tearcoat Swamp on October 25, 1780; Georgetown (four attacks) between October 1780 and May 1781; Fort ...
What are 3 important facts about Francis Marion?
Marion was one of the first to employ guerrilla tactics against the British and became one of the founders of guerrilla warfare. Marion is considered to be the father of modern guerrilla warfare and maneuver warfare. He is also considered to be the father of the United States Army Rangers.
What happened to Francis Marion after the war?
Following victory over the British, Marion returned to his plantation and pursued a career in politics. He served several terms in the South Carolina State Senate and also received the honorary position of commander of Fort Johnson in 1784, for which he received a stipend of $500 annually.
How many slaves did Francis Marion own?
Oscar Marion, one of over 200 slaves belonging to Francis Marion, was recognized for his “devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States” by the United States President.
How accurate was the patriot movie?
In conclusion, The Patriot is a very entertaining film that uses the American Revolution in South Carolina as a backdrop to tell a story about the way the war affected a fictional family. "This is not historically accurate," said Mel Gibson. "In the broad strokes, yes—on other levels, it is sheer fantasy.
Is the Patriot true story?
The popular film The Patriot is loosely based on the exploits of several real life historical figures including a British officer, Lt. Col. Banstre Tarleton and several American patriots: the "Swamp Fox," Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan, Elijah Clark, Thomas Sumter and Andrew Pickens.
Was Francis Marion a loyalist?
Since over half of the South Carolina backcountry was Loyalist, or Tory, Marion engaged as much in civil war he did war against the British.
Was there a real Benjamin Martin in the Revolutionary War?
There was no Patriot militia leader called Benjamin Martin who fought in the Revolutionary War, and the details of Benjamin's life and family are fictionalized.
Why was he called the Swamp Fox?
Known for his cunning and resourcefulness, Francis Marion earned the moniker the "Swamp Fox" for his exploits during the Revolutionary War, which also inspired many colorful interpretations of his life and military career.
What is a quote from Francis Marion?
“They fell, but o'er their glorious grave floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.” “To expect defeat is nine-tenths of defeat itself.” “What a strange pattern the shuttle of life can weave.” “Who can doubt that God created us to be happy, and thereto made us to love one another?
How did Francis Marion get his nickname?
Francis Marion, ''the Swamp Fox,'' received his nickname because of his use of guerilla tactics against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. In Marion's early life, he joined the crew of a ship that was sailing to the West Indies.
When was Francis Marion death?
February 27, 1795Francis Marion / Date of deathFrancis Marion, byname the Swamp Fox, (born c. 1732, Winyah, South Carolina [U.S.]—died February 26, 1795, Berkeley county, South Carolina, U.S.), colonial American soldier in the American Revolution (1775–83), nicknamed the “Swamp Fox” by the British for his elusive tactics.
Was Francis Marion a patriot?
By the time of the Revolutionary War's Southern Campaigns of 1780–1782, enterprising 48-year-old Patriot partisan General Francis Marion did everything in his power to effectuate Rogers's concepts in the Carolinas following the surrender of Charleston.
Who was Francis Marion in the Revolutionary War?
Francis Marion was the leader of a small militia group from South Carolina. He and his men engaged British forces through guerrilla warfare.
Who was nicknamed the Swamp Fox and why?
Francis Marion was nicknamed the Swamp Fox by Banastre Tarleton. This is because of Tarleton's seven-hour failed attempt to capture Marion.
What is Francis Marion best known for?
Francis Marion is best known for using guerilla tactics against the British. He learned these methods during the French and Indian War.
Is the Patriot based on Francis Marion?
The 2000 movie The Patriot is largely based on Francis Marion. However, the movie is an extremely inaccurate portrayal of his actions and has been...
Who was Francis Marion's father?
Marion's father Gabriel was a Huguenot who emigrated to the colonies from France before 1700. Francis Marion was born on his family's plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina, c. 1732.
Who recruited Francis Marion?
Marion began his military career shortly before his 25th birthday. On January 1, 1757, Francis and his brother, Job, were recruited by Captain John Postell to serve in the French and Indian War .
What is Marion County named after?
Marion County, South Carolina, and its county seat, the City of Marion , are named for Marion. The city features a statue of General Marion in the town square, and has a museum which includes many artifacts related to Francis Marion; the Marion High School mascot is the Swamp Fox.
Why did Marion miss the Battle of Camden?
Marion joined Major General Horatio Gates on July 27 just before the Battle of Camden, but Gates had formed a low opinion of Marion. Gates sent Marion towards the interior to gather intelligence on the British enemy. Marion thus missed the battle, which proved to be a decisive British victory.
Why did Marion return to his plantation?
Marion returned to his plantation to find it had been burnt during the fighting. His slaves had run away to fight for the British and had later been evacuated from Charleston. He borrowed money to purchase slaves for his plantation.
Why did Marion not get captured?
Marion was not captured with the rest of the garrison when Charleston fell on May 12, 1780, because he had broken an ankle in an accident and had left the city to recuperate. Clinton took part of the British army that had captured Charleston back to New York but a significant number stayed for operations under Lord Cornwallis in the Carolinas.
What was Marion's job?
Marion was also tasked with combating groups of freed slaves working or fighting alongside the British. He received an order from the Governor of South Carolina to execute any blacks suspected of carrying provisions or gathering intelligence for the enemy "agreeable to the laws of this State."
Who was Francis Marion?
Francis Marion was a militia leader in the American Revolution known as the 'Swamp Fox.'. He employed guerrilla warfare and ambush tactics in the South Carolina backcountry. Create an account.
What was Marion's role in the American Revolution?
The American Revolution. Marion is best known for his role in the American Revolution. He was appointed a captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. He served with Moultrie again in the Battle of Fort Sullivan in June 1776 outside Charleston which successfully repulsed a British invasion.
What did Marion do to learn from the Cherokees?
Marion then cut loose, and operated on his own. Employing lessons he had learned from the Cherokees, he engaged in guerilla warfare, concealed his men in the woods, used ambush tactics, and retreated to the swamps to regroup.
What was Francis Marion's dream?
Marion was born in 1732 on his family's estate in Berkeley County, South Carolina. He received only a rudimentary education. As a young lad he craved adventure, and at age fifteen he joined a crew bound for the West Indies. The ship sank, however, after reportedly being struck by a whale and he survived in a lifeboat for a week before washing ashore. That incident was enough to make him give up his dream of a life at sea and he returned home to farm.
What happened to Marion's fortune?
In a bizarre incident in March 1780, Marion's fortune suddenly changed. One night he attended a dinner party hosted by a fellow officer. The party went late, and during the toast, the doors were locked as was the custom in this era.
Who captured Marion the Fox?
He became such a thorn in the British side, that General Charles Cornwallis ordered the Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton to capture Marion. Marion proved impossible to catch, and in November 1780 Tarleton exclaimed, 'As for this damned old fox, the Devil himself could not catch him.'.
Did Marion leave Charleston?
Marion did not drink and wanted to leave, and so leaped out of a second story window, breaking his ankle. Marion left the city to rest up in the countryside, and when Charleston fell in May 1780, Marion was not among the more than 5,000 captured men.
Where was Francis Marion born?
There is not a lot of information about Francis Marion in his former years, but we do know that was born in Berkeley, South Carolina in 1732
Who was the colonel who killed Marion?
Colonel Banastre Tarleton was sent to capture or kill Marion in November 1780; he despaired of finding the “old swamp fox”, who eluded him by traveling along swamp paths. It was Tarleton who gave Marion his nom de guerre when, after unsuccessfully pursuing Marion’s troops for over 26 miles through a swamp, he gave up and swore “as for this damned old fox, the Devil himself could not catch him.”
Why did Marion not capture Charleston?
Marion was not captured with the rest of the garrison when Charleston fell on May 12, 1780, because he had broken an ankle in an accident and had left the city to recuperate.
How many men were in Marion's army?
After the loss in Charleston, the defeats of General Isaac Huger at Moncks Corner and Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Buford at the Waxhaw massacre , Marion organized a small unit, which at first consisted of between 20 and 70 men and was the only force then opposing the British Army in the state. At this point, Marion was still nearly crippled from the slowly healing ankle.
Why did Marion return to his plantation?
Marion returned to his plantation to find it had been burnt during the fighting. His slaves had run away to fight for the British and had later been evacuated from Charleston. He had to borrow money to restock his plantation with slaves.
What was Marion's job?
Marion was also tasked with combating groups of freed slaves working or fighting alongside the British. He received an order from the Governor of South Carolina, to execute any blacks suspected of carrying provisions or gathering intelligence for the enemy “agreeable to the laws of this State.”
What did Marion's men do without pay?
Unlike the Continental troops, Marion’s Men, as they were known, served without pay, supplied their own horses, arms and often their food.
What was Marion's experience in frontier warfare?
In 1775, Marion was a member of the South Carolina Provincial Congress.
Who was the general who defeated the British in South Carolina?
Escaping to North Carolina, he and a small party joined General Horatio Gates ’s army but was not present with the force at the defeat at Camden in August. Marion challenged British rule in the South Carolina lowcountry after these two military disasters and targeted British lines of communication and supply.
Who led the Continental Army in the Battle of Eutaw Springs?
Marion, unlike Thomas Sumter, coordinated effectively in the field with the Continental Army, led by Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene. Together with “Light Horse” Harry Lee’s Legion, Marion captured Fort Watson on the Santee River in April 1781 and then Fort Motte in May, forcing the British to evacuate Camden. Marion commanded South Carolina militia in advance lines along with Brig. Gen. Andrew Pickens at the Battle of Eutaw Springs in September 1781, the last major battle in the Carolinas, in which the British suffered so many casualties they ceased further inland campaigning.
Where was the swamp fox born?
Quick Facts. Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox,” was born at his family’s plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina in 1732. A planter, Marion built his home, Pond Bluff, in 1773 in the area of Eutaw Springs, a site now beneath the waters of Lake Marion.
How many troops did Marion have?
Marion placed his 445 troops in the thick woods about the causeway leading to Parker’s Ferry, a mile away.
Where did Francis Marion's men trek?
The best revelation of the intensity and enormity of Francis Marion’s revolutionary maneuvering is in visiting the South Carolina swamps and fields where his men trekked to arms for liberty. A road at Parker's Ferry, South Carolina.
Why did Gates order Marion to go down the country?
Whatever the reason, by August 15, 1780, Gates ordered Marion to “go Down the Country to Destroy all boats & Craft of any kind” to prevent British troops from escaping Camden. The dismissal spared Marion being captured or killed in that devastating Patriot loss.
How many British soldiers died in the Battle of Eutaw Springs?
British casualties, at 125 killed and 80 wounded, were heavy, while Marion suffered only one man killed and three wounded. Marion’s victory at Parker’s Ferry on August 30 directly impacted the Battle of Eutaw Springs nine days later by depriving British of horses not available to fight there on September 8.
What is Marion's method of maneuvering?
Marion was a student of Major Robert Rogers’s 28 Rules of Ranging, and in his long military career, Marion formulated, practiced and executed his own particular modes of “maneuvering.” The United States Marine Corps’ modern doctrinal manual, Warfighting, defines maneuver warfare as “a state of mind bent on shattering the enemy morally and physically by paralyzing and confounding him, by avoiding his strength, by quickly and aggressively exploiting his vulnerabilities, and by striking him in a way that will hurt him most.” The sentiment certainly applies to Marion’s approach.
Why did Marion escape the surrender of Charleston?
First, he escaped the surrender of Charleston because he was recuperating from a broken ankle away from the city. Then, days before the Battle of Camden, Marion and two dozen men rode into General Horatio Gates ’s camp offering assistance. These men were scruffy, backcountry Williamsburg District militia.
Where did Tarleton pursue Marion?
On November 8, Tarleton vigorously pursued Marion from Jack’s Creek northwest of Nelson’s Ferry for 20-plus miles east to Ox Swamp. Marion’s men galloped through the swamp’s watery morass along trails that few could have followed.
What was Marion's role in the Revolutionary War?
With the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, Marion tried his hand at traditional European warfare. Commissioned as a captain, Marion led his force in a series of defeats as the British advanced into South Carolina. Deciding that maybe this wasn’t the best way to fight an Empire that had conquered much of the planet, Marion decided to try things a little differently.
Where was Francis Marion's army?
In fact, Francis Marion’s force was for a brief period the only viable rebel army in the entire colony of South Carolina. The real fight was up north in New England. So, the fact that they had to keep diverting troops to hunt Marion down was really starting to become a nuisance.
Why was Banastre Tarleton important to the British?
Finally, the British ordered one of their best commanders, Banastre Tarleton, to put a stop to Marion’s attacks. Tarleton was famous among on both sides. The British loyalists saw him as an outstanding cavalry commander, while to the Patriots, he was a butcher due to his role in the execution of troops who had already surrendered.
Why was Tarleton so famous?
Tarleton was famous among on both sides. The British loyalists saw him as an outstanding cavalry commander, while to the Patriots, he was a butcher due to his role in the execution of troops who had already surrendered. National Gallery/ Wikimedia Commons Banastre Tarleton. If anyone could catch Marion, it was Tarleton.
What did Marion's unit do to the Cherokee?
This campaign was brutal as Marion’s unit burned villages in an effort to starve the Cherokee into submission. But it did teach Marion some important lessons about how to fight a war. The Cherokee didn’t fight in the traditional manner either.
How many soldiers did Marion raise?
Marion raised a small force of around 50 experienced soldiers and lead them in a series of Cherokee-style attacks on the British.
What was Marion's nickname for the war?
Popularly known as the “Swamp Fox,” Marion spent the war showing the British just how uncomfortable he could make their time in the Colonies with nothing but a few dozen rifles and a refusal to “fight fairly.”. Like many leaders of the American Revolution, Marion had spent time as a young man fighting with the British during ...
Overview
American Revolutionary War
Early life
French and Indian War
Later life and death
Legends and legacy
On June 21, 1775, Marion was commissioned captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment under William Moultrie, with whom he served in June 1776 in the defense of Fort Sullivan (today known as Fort Moultrie), in Charleston harbor.
In September 1776, the Continental Congress commissioned Marion as a lieutenant colonel. In the autumn of 1779, he took part in the siege of Savannah, …
Landmarks
Marion's father Gabriel was a Huguenot who emigrated to the colonies from France before 1700. Francis Marion was born on his family's plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina, c. 1732. Around the age of 15, he was hired on a ship bound for the West Indies which sank on his first voyage; the crew escaped on a lifeboat but had to spend one week at sea before reaching land. In the years that followed, Marion managed the family's plantation.
Gallery
Marion began his military career shortly before his 25th birthday. On January 1, 1757, Francis and his brother, Job, were recruited by Captain John Postell to serve in the French and Indian War.