Battle of Tearcoat Swamp
October 25, 1780
Find in Google Maps or use the coordinates in your own mapping app:
33.81443999999999, -80.14289This historic marker acknowledging the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp that took place on October 25, 1780 can be found just outside of the Gable community along North Brewington Road that passes under Interstate 95. Keep an eye out for the marker on the shoulder of the road.
Francis Marion was known for his nontraditional tactics of war, and the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp was a perfect example. Marion learned of an encampment of British troops and loyalists under Colonel Samuel Tynes at Tearcoat Swamp, and he devised a plan to catch the group off guard.
Marion and his men approached the camp on the night of October 25, 1780 and used the cover of darkness to surround the British. Roughly 150 Patriots men surprised the British Tories suffering no casualties and capturing much needed supplies and horses along the way.
To learn more about the Battle of Tearcoat Swamp and other Revolutionary War content, visit the American Battlefield Trust.