Battle of Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock, Lancaster County, South Carolina, USA
What happened
Patriot militia under Thomas Sumter attacked a Loyalist and British outpost led by John Carden. After the British captured Charleston, they set up posts across South Carolina, and Hanging Rock was the farthest north. Sumter's men attacked in three groups early in the morning and routed the Loyalist militia. The rest formed a square and fought on for three hours until the Americans ran low on ammunition.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was an American victory in the fight for the South Carolina backcountry. Carden handing over his command in mid-battle was seen as a turning point.
What came next
Sumter, nicknamed the 'Carolina Gamecock', fought on and lived to 97. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was later named after him.
Did you know?
Future President Andrew Jackson, then 13, took part in the battle with his brother.
Timeline
- May 1780The British capture Charleston.
- 6 August 1780Battle of Hanging Rock.
- 1 June 1832Sumter dies, the last surviving Revolutionary War general.
- 2026The battlefield is named one of America's most endangered historic places.