Battles & Campaigns · 1779
Battle of Brier Creek
Brier Creek, Georgia, USA
What happened
The British crossed Brier Creek at a bridge further north and moved around to attack the Patriot camp from the side. When the British charged with bayonets, many Patriot militiamen, who had no bayonets, broke and fled. Elbert's Continental soldiers held their ground until they were surrounded and had to surrender.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended American attempts to drive the British out of Georgia for the time being. It also hurt Patriot morale after the earlier win at Kettle Creek.
What came next
Ashe was blamed and convicted of failing to secure his camp. Georgia stayed under British control from 1779 to 1782.
Did you know?
Patriot leader William Moultrie later wrote that the defeat lengthened the war by a year.
Timeline
- 3 March 1779Battle of Brier Creek.
- 20 June 1779Battle of Stono Ferry.
- 1779–1782Georgia is back under British rule.