Ambush at Halfway Swamp
December 12, 1780
Find in Google Maps or use the coordinates in your own mapping app:
33.69693999999999, -80.21075Located along Historic US Highway 301 in Downtown Manning, passersby can see General Francis Marion and his men as they lay in wait for British troops to march into their ambush.
During the American Revolution, in December 1780, over 750 recently arrived British fusiliers were marching from Nelson’s Ferry on the Santee River. Major Robert McLeroth’s British troops from Moncks Corner, South Carolina joined them as an escort to Camden. General Marion’s Brigade was hiding in the swamp in ambush positions near Fludd’s Mill (now known as Elliot’s Mill Pond) on the River Road.
The unsuspecting British troops marched into Marion’s Brigade who began picking off the British. This harassment led to Major McLeroth’s flag of truce and a patriot victory in the Battle of Halfway Swamp.
Did you know? You can visit the battle's location and historical marker right here in Clarendon County!