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Birth of Francis Marion
Francis Marion was born in 1732. His parents were mildly wealthy and owned small plantation. -
Shipwrecked
At the age of 15 Francic Marion joined the crew of a small ship. However, the ship sank on his first voyage and two of his crewmates died. -
Battle of Etchoee
The battle of Etchoee was the last major battle between the whites and the Cherokees in the French and Indian War. Francis Marion earned distinction in this battle, fighting bravely in a forlon hope regiment that changed the tide of the battle. During the war he became familiar with Indian partisan tactics. -
Battle of Sullivan's Island
The Battle of Sullivan's Island was a British assault made on Fort Moultrie. Francis Marion did not command any troops but fought bravely against the British fleet which consisted of 9 man o' wars(some of the largest ships at the time). -
Siege of Savannah
The Siege of Savannah was a combined Franco-American attempt to retake the city of Savannah. The battle was plagued with misunderstood orders and the British held the city. Francis Marion was a Lieutenant Colonel at the time and he and his troops fought with distinction, reaching the top of the wall. -
The Battle of Great Savanna
The battle of Great Savannah was Marion first guerilla battle. He was recently commissioned as a Brigadier General and ordered to destroy boats on the Santee River. During the operation he learned the location of 150 loyalist prisoners and liberated them after a short battle. -
Battle of Blue Savannah
Another great victory for the Americans, Francis marion ambushed loyalist near Blue Savannah. Originally outnumbered, Marion led the soldiers into a deadly ambush. Marion eventually became known for this tactic. The casualties for this battle were 4 wounded americans and 30 to 50 wounded British. -
Battle of Black Mingo Creek
The battle of Black Mingo Creek was another American success. Marion assaulted the town of Black Mingo but was detected crossing a bridge and lost the element of surprise. Marion continued the attack and routed the Loyalist force. Marion lost 2 men while the British lost 16. After this battle Marion learned his lesson and put hide on a bridge before crossing it. -
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp.
The battle of Tearcoat Swamp was an amazing victory for Marion. The battle took place near Tearcoat Swamp and used the same tactics as Black Mingo except more successful. The battle turned into a rout as the loyalist were caught by surprise. The Americans lost 2 horse and the British suffered 43 casualties. -
Battle of Eutaw Springs
The battle of Eutaw Springs was a large battle that took place between around 2,000 British and 2,200 Americans. Marion controlled the South and North Carolinan state militias. The battle was a tactical defeat for the Americans but Steward's retreat to Charleston was a strategic victory for the Americans. The american casualties were 138 killed, 375 wounded, and 41 missing while the British suffered 85 killed, 351 wounded, and around 500 missing. -
State Senator
Francis Marion's political career took off after the war. He was elected to the State Senate for two consecutive terms in 1782 to 1784 and pursued lenient policies toward Loyalist. He participated in the South Carolina constitutional convention and later retired to his plantation. -
The Death of A Legend
On February 27, 1795 Francis Marion died at his South Carolinan plantation at Pond Bluff.
