Darlington County

Darlington County: The Revolutionary War

During the American Revolutionary War, the area now known as Darlington County in South Carolina was a site of significant patriot activity. The region’s strategic location along the Pee Dee River made it a focal point for skirmishes and military movements between American patriots and British forces. Local militias utilized the challenging terrain to their advantage, contributing to the broader efforts in the fight for independence.

Five Facts:

1. Battle of Hunt’s Bluff (August 1780): On August 7, 1780, patriot forces led by Colonel Thomas Sumter ambushed and captured a British supply boat on the Pee Dee River near Hunt’s Bluff in present-day Darlington County. This victory disrupted British supply lines and boosted patriot morale.
2. St. David’s Parish Militia: The militia from St. David’s Parish, which included parts of modern Darlington County, actively participated in resisting British control. They engaged in numerous skirmishes, providing vital support to the Continental Army and hindering British operations in the region.
3. Strategic River Crossings: The Pee Dee River’s crossings in Darlington County were crucial for movement of troops and supplies. Control over these crossings was contested, leading to several encounters as both sides attempted to secure these vital points.
4. Shelter for Patriot Leaders: The dense forests and swamps of Darlington County offered refuge to patriot leaders like General Francis Marion, known as the “Swamp Fox.” These natural hideouts allowed them to evade capture and plan guerrilla attacks against the British.
5. Formation of Darlington County (1785): Influenced by the war’s events, Darlington County was officially established in 1785. The area’s involvement in the war contributed to its development, as veterans and settlers moved in, recognizing its strategic importance and fertile lands.