Battles & Campaigns · 1779
Battle of Stono Ferry
Stono Ferry, near Charleston, South Carolina, USA
What happened
A British force had tried and failed to take Charleston and was pulling back. Maitland's rearguard held a position near Stono Ferry, and Lincoln's men attacked through thick woods. A Hessian battalion broke at first but rallied, British reserves arrived, and Lincoln ordered a withdrawal.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a British victory. The page calls it the first action in Britain's campaign to regain the southern colonies.
What came next
Maitland had already planned to withdraw and began moving toward Beaufort on 23 June 1779.
Did you know?
Andrew Jackson's elder brother Hugh died after this battle, overcome by heat and exhaustion after being wounded.
Timeline
- 3 March 1779Battle of Brier Creek.
- 20 June 1779Battle of Stono Ferry.
- 23 June 1779Maitland moves toward Beaufort.