Today South Carolina celebrates one of our greatest heroes, “The Swamp Fox,” General Francis Marion.

The American Revolution Brigadier General is hailed as one of the fathers of modern guerilla warfare. He was also an influence for the Mel Gibson film The Patriot. The British still feel a little resentment today about some of Marion’s tactics. In the Evening Standard,  British author Neil Norman called Francis Marion “a thoroughly unpleasant dude who was, basically, a terrorist“.

A Georgetown native, Marion was responsible for eluding British forces. He used groups of irregular troops, who served without pay, supplied their own horses, arms, and usually their own food. Most of the supplies they gained were ones captured from British or Loyalist forces.

The celebration includes a living history lantern walk on Friday evening. The rest of the weekend will feature historical demonstrations such as basket weaving, cartridge making, soap making, and the firing of cannons and muskets.

The event will be held at Camp Bob Cooper, 8001 MW Rickenbaker Rd, Summerton, SC.
Parking and admission will be free. For any questions, call 803-478-2645 or email gcsummers@ftc-i.net.

Learn more about today and this weekend’s Francis Marion events.

Learn more about General Francis Marion.

View a portrait of General Francis Marion in battle.