Posted on Jan 24, 2026
Light Horse and Swamp Fox raid Georgetown, South Carolina | January 24, 1781 | HISTORY
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On January 24, 1781, Patriot commanders Lieutenant Colonel Light Horse Henry Lee and Brigadier General Francis Swamp Fox Marion of the South Carolina militia combine forces and conduct a raid on Georgetown, South Carolina, which is defended by 200 British soldiers.
Marion won fame and the Swamp Fox moniker for his ability to strike and then quickly retreat into the South Carolina swamps without a trace. His military strategy is considered an 18th-century example of guerilla warfare and served as partial inspiration for the film The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson.
Marion won fame and the Swamp Fox moniker for his ability to strike and then quickly retreat into the South Carolina swamps without a trace. His military strategy is considered an 18th-century example of guerilla warfare and served as partial inspiration for the film The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson.
Light Horse and Swamp Fox raid Georgetown, South Carolina | January 24, 1781 | HISTORY
Posted from history.com
War of Independence
South Carolina
Cavalry
American History
Posted 1 d ago
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Some additional background to the Georgetown raid might also be of interest:
1) The Battle of Cowpens (American victory) was fought a week earlier (January 17, 1781). This encounter effectively wiped out the cavalry forces commanded by British Lt Col Banastre Tarleton.
2) Wilmington, NC surrenders to British forces (January 29, 1781).
3) The Battle of Cowan's Ford (British victory) on February 1, 1781. Cornwallis crosses the Catawba River (north of Charlotte, NC).
4) The Battle of Guilford Courthouse (British victory) on March 15, 1781, Cornwallis retires to Wilmington.
1) The Battle of Cowpens (American victory) was fought a week earlier (January 17, 1781). This encounter effectively wiped out the cavalry forces commanded by British Lt Col Banastre Tarleton.
2) Wilmington, NC surrenders to British forces (January 29, 1781).
3) The Battle of Cowan's Ford (British victory) on February 1, 1781. Cornwallis crosses the Catawba River (north of Charlotte, NC).
4) The Battle of Guilford Courthouse (British victory) on March 15, 1781, Cornwallis retires to Wilmington.
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Excellent share. Still remember learning about Francis Marion, in middle school - and the guerrila warfare lesson - though the terminology was not used at the time. Not much else about the Revolutionary war battles fought was taught (Other than Paul Revere's ride). So, in retrospect The Swamp Fox was an excellent choice. The recent series on PBS made it clear how vital the SC front had been.
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