Swamp Fox Murals
Clarendon County, SC
The Swamp Fox, General Francis Marion and his engagements with the British in 1780-81 in St. Mark’s Parish, now Clarendon County, depicted in historic murals in Manning, Paxville, Summerton, and Turbeville, South Carolina.
Every mural tells a story of the events of the American Revolution in South Carolina, during the Southern Campaigns.
Citizen Soldier (National Guard of 1780) Mural (M9)
Citizen Soldier is recruited by Marion and Oscar (National Guard of 1780).
During the American Revolution, the militia like Marion’s Brigade was totally dependent on a man with a horse and a gun who tended his farm and responded to Marion’s call to arms. Marion rides this horse before battle at Black Mingo, in September 1780. Marion and Oscar summon farmer-soldier from his crops. These farmer-soldiers cut the supply lines, intimidated the Tories from Charles Town to Camden, and thwarted and embarrassed the British from the Pee Dee to the Santee River.
- Artists: Shirley and Don Miller, and son Mark Lynch, Manning, SC refurbished and brightened the Citizen Soldier Mural, 2022.
- The Town of Manning, the Manning Piggly Wiggly, the Manning Rotary and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Manning, SC.
- Original Artists: Dayton and Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, Texas. (15′ x 102′ mural painted on east wall of Piggly Wiggly, April, 2003, repaired in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2015).
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC
- Look for this 15′ x 102′ mural: 33° 41′ 27″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W, corner S. Mill St. and 36 Sunset Dr., Manning, SC
Waiting in Ambush at Benbow's Ferry Mural (M14-15)
Waiting in Ambush at Benbow’s Ferry: During the American Revolution, 1780, General Marion and his men were pursued by Tarleton. When Tarleton followed him to Ox Swamp and gave up, Marion had set up an ambush at Benbow’s to capture Tarleton in this net.
William Dobein James, Esq. wrote in 1821:
Marion, knowing the vigilance of his foe, decamped betimes; and pursuing his route down Black river, for thirty-five miles, through woods, and swamps and bogs, where there was no road, encamped the following night on advantageous ground, at Benbow’s ferry, now Lowry’s bridge, about ten miles above Kingstree, on the east side of Black river. In a partisan warfare this position was the best that could have been taken. He could now defend himself, first… Here then Marion determined to make a stand, and felled trees across the road to impede the enemy. On the morning after the retreat, Tarleton found Marion’s trail across the Woodyard, but went round it, and pursued, as he says, “for seven hours, through swamps and defiles.” In fact he pursued about twenty-five miles, when arriving at Ox swamp,** which was wide and miry, and without a road to pass it, he desisted. It is amusing to read Tarleton’s pompous account of this pursuit. He insinuates that Marion’s sole view was to save himself; as Tarleton stopped ten or twelve miles short of Benbow’s, he might not have heard of the preparations made there to receive him. For the same distance Marion had been skirting the south branch of Black river, and could at any time, in a few minutes, have plunged into it, and no regular body of cavalry could have followed him. Had Tarleton proceeded with his jaded horses to Benbow’s, he would have exposed his force to such sharp shooting as he had not yet experienced, and that in a place where he could not have acted either with his artillery or cavalry.
This 2 panel mural, painted by Artist Terry Smith, September 2019, at Piggly Wiggly, corner S. Boundary St. and Sunset Dr., ( 33.6902 -80.21316 ) Manning, SC, making 32 panels and 2 statues in Clarendon County.
Benbow’s Ferry site location on Mt. Vernon Road, Black River: 33° 43′ 30″ N 79° 57′ 25″ W
Historic Markers database: SF mural for Ambush at Benbow’s
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp Mural (T2)
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp: In the American Revolution, on October 25, 1780, General Marion learned Colonel Tynes with a party of over 90 drew supplies and new muskets at Camden. Tynes was camped at the edge of Tearcoat Swamp between the forks of the Black River. Marion called a muster and with 150 men moved to Kingstree. He then turned west and moved swiftly toward Tearcoat. After scouting the encampment Marion split his force into three companies and attacked at midnight. The attackers killed six, wounded 14 and captured 23 men. They also captured the food, baggage, ammunition, 80 new muskets and horses with saddles. However, Tynes escaped, but was captured a few days later in the High Hills.
Revolutionary History in Clarendon County, SC with General Francis Marion, The “Swamp Fox”.
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
Look for this 8′ x 32′ mural 33° 53′ 26″N 80° 01′ 15″W, 1401 Main St., Turbeville, SC.
Tearcoat site: 33° 48′ 50.4″ N 80° 8′ 34.8″ W, North Brewington Rd., Gable, SC.
Historic Markers database: SF mural Tearcoat
Original Mural in Turbeville, Tearcoat
The citizens of Clarendon County and the Town of Turbeville donated this mural in Turbeville, SC.
Original Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. Mural Painted on West wall of Dollar General, Park St., Turbeville, SC June, 2002, refurbished 2008, replaced 2017.
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Elusive Francis Marion, 1780-1781 Mural (S9)
Elusive Francis Marion: During the American Revolution, General Marion’s Brigade eludes the British invaders. Marion’s Militia slip through swamps, trees and grasslands, enticing the British to follow along the Santee River.
In November 1780, the British send Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton to engage Marion and his Militia. Gen Marion is looking for the British and heads towards Jacks Creek. He locates them at Gen. Richardson’s home and attempts to draw them into an ambush he has set up at Benbow’s Ferry on the Black River (about 28 miles from this mural. The British give up the ride at Ox Swamp, about 2 miles short.
The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this 10′ x 24′ mural, finished January 19, 2016 at 33° 36′ 28.0794″ N 80° 21′ 10.08″ W, on US15/301, 5 South Church St., Summerton, SC becoming the 28th mural panel. Painted by Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
- Good links to the historic markers and all the SF murals.
- See more of the history of this event.
Francis Marion’s Militia Needs Help Mural (M13)
Francis Marion’s Militia Needs: During the American Revolution, General Marion and the men of his Brigade encountered wounds and diseases. Those shot or sick were left at the mercy of comrades and sympathy of Patriots and farmers. Medical care was basic, crude, herbal, and local. The “Swamp Fox” had his brave Americans put vinegar in their water and he had less illness than others. Find the fox.
- The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society and Anderson Pharmacy donated this mural in Manning in 2013, becoming the 27th mural panel.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida ©2013
- Find this 8′ x 24′ mural: 33° 41′ 16.8″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W, 419 South Mill, Manning, SC.
- Historic Markers database, Marion’s Militia Need Help mural.
Artists Welded FRANCIS MARION, The Swamp Fox Sculpture (MS)
The Swamp Fox at F.E. DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, 3351 Sumter Highway, Manning, SC, April, 2012.
Thanks to the CCTC and F.E. DuBose welding student artists, Axel Reis, the Bank of Clarendon, and Swamp Fox Murals Trail.
Find this site: 33° 43′ 30″ N, 80° 12′ 0″ W Photos’ credit: Thanks to Peggy C.
Francis Marion Reflections Mural (M6)
Francis Marion Reflections: During the American Revolution, in 1780, as General Marion and the men of his Brigade pushed back the British forces in the Black and Santee River basins, it is unlikely that they ever thought of how they would be remembered by future generations. It is unlikely that Marion lived long enough to know he was called the “Swamp Fox.” Today we can appreciate the effort these brave Americans put forth to make this the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
- The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this 12th mural panel in Manning. Find what’s hidden.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida completed June 2011. ©2011
- Look for this 16′ x 26′ mural: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 42″ W corner 16 Rigby St. and North Mill St, CitiTrends, Manning, SC.
- Historic Markers database, Swamp Fox mural.
Pond Bluff to St. Stephen’s Church Mural (M1-3)
Pond Bluff to St. Stephen’s Church: General Marion’s militiamen rebuilt his home after the Revolution. Francis Marion, at age 53, married Mary Esther Videau, on April 20, 1786. They lived at Pond Bluff on the south edge of the Santee Swamp and raised pineland cattle. With Oscar, the Marions frequently traveled to former battle sites. They took day-long Sunday trips to St. Stephen’s Church, which was supported by the Marion families. February 27, 1795 Marion, age 62, died at his home at Pond Bluff, presently under Lake Marion, and was buried at Belle Isle. These murals bring alive Revolutionary War history.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, completed these 3 mural panels, June, 2010.
- Look for the 13′ x 86′ mural: 33° 41′ 51″ N 80° 12′ 36″ W, Simpson’s Hardware, 110 N. Brooks St., Manning, SC.
- St Stephen’s Church: 33° 24′ 21.5994″ N 79° 55′ 1.2″ W in St. Stephen, SC.
- Historic Markers database includes Swamp Fox murals.
Historic Markers at Santee Indian Mound
- In 1950 the SC DAR erected this historic stone at Santee Indian Mound for Marion taking Fort Watson, 1781.
- Historic Markers database includes SF murals and this DAR marker.
A new interpretation of Siege of Fort Watson Mural (M3-6)
Siege of Fort Watson: Colonel “Light Horse” Harry Lee and Lee’s Legion joined General Francis Marion and Marion’s Brigade on the Santee River. They elected to capture British-held Fort Watson to get supplies. General Thomas Sumter had attacked Fort Watson unsuccessfully on February 28, 1781. Marion’s men laid siege to Fort Watson for many days starting April 16, 1781. While waiting for a cannon to arrive, Major Hezekiah Maham suggested building a tower to have sharpshooters pick off the Redcoats inside the fort. The Patriots gathered saplings for several days and constructed the tower overnight. The use of the tower led to the capture of Fort Watson on April 23, 1781, and was the final Battle of Fort Watson.
These 11′ to 17′ x 77′ murals are donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2009, to bring alive Revolutionary War history in Summerton.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, constructed a new interpretation, replacing the third mural, for a new total: 23 mural panels.
- Mural: 33° 36′ 28″N 80° 20′ 59″W, 140 Main Street, Summerton, SC. The Indian Mound Site: 33° 32′ 20.4″ N 80° 26′ 16.8″ W, Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic US 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
"A Brief History of General Francis Marion" by Dr. Joe T. Stukes, including Marion becoming the Swamp Fox
The Burning of Mouzon's Home by his 'Friend' (T3-6)
The Burning of Mouzon’s Home by his ‘Friend’ Started Other Burnings Including Along the Black River” (August 7, 1780)
Capt. William Henry Mouzon II was educated in France and spoke the language fluently. He became a surveyor and civil engineer. Henry Mouzon had a warm friendship with Banastre Tarleton from their boyhood school days in Francs. Yet so callous had the British Tarleton grown from a sense of duty to his King that he burned the Mouzon Plantation House, on August 7, 1780. Mouzon’s daughter Ann recounted the day that the British arrived. She was eleven years old and was the first to see the British and alerted the rest of the family. Mouzon was able to escape into Puddin’ Swamp of the Black River, which was near his home. This was on the edge of St. Marks Parish, when Tarleton’s Green Dragoons burned it. Soon after British Maj. James Wemyss burned out Patriots and Loyalists alike in a swath 15 miles wide for 70 miles on the route from Kingstree to Cheraw, Santee River to Georgetown, including the area along the Black River.
- These 4 murals are donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, April 2008, and bring alive Revolutionary War history in Turbeville.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 4 murals, bringing Swamp Fox mural panels to 20.
- Look for these 12′ x 48′ murals: 33° 53′ 25″ N 80° 01′ 14″ W, corner of Main St. and Calvert St., Turbeville, SC.
- Mouzon’s home site: 33° 43′ 58.9332″ N 79° 55′ 59.4336″ W
The Swamp Fox Burst Forth Mural (M5)
The Swamp Fox: During the American Revolution, after the fall of Charles Town in 1780, Francis Marion burst forth to lead the Williamsburg militia. He was the senior Regimental/Continental Officer not captured or paroled. He recruited Patriots, ambushed the British and Loyalists as he gained control of the supply routes to Camden. As the Canadians said in their textbooks, the British lost the war in the South and therefore, the Patriots won independence in the South.
This Swamp Fox mural joins the historic location formerly home to Land’s Service Station, The Bootery (HB Mahoney), Randylynn’s (Children’s Clothes), Easy Rent-To-Own, and adjacent to Sub Station II in Manning, SC. This Swamp Fox is donated by the Swamp Fox Mural Trail Society.
This 8′ x 12′ mural by artist Donna VanWynsberghe, completed March 2006, is the 11th Mural: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W, 35 N. Brooks St. Manning, SC.
Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
The Patriot (S1) and The Redcoat (S2)
The Patriot and The Redcoat: During the American Revolution, after the fall of Charles Town in 1780, General Francis Marion’s militia crossed the Santee swamps and appeared at many turns near Jacks Creek and River Road. Patriots ambushed the British and Loyalists and controlled the supply routes to Camden. Marion’s militia included Black, White, and Red men. This Patriot represents Oscar, called Buddy by the General, who fought beside and was the lifelong body servant of General Marion. The Redcoats pursued and did not capture the Swamp Fox. The Patriots won independence for the colonies with the Southern Campaign.
- This pair of Swamp Fox Murals is donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2007, depicting Revolutionary War history.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
- Find these two: 12′ x 12′ murals: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W, at 203 and 202 North Main Street, Summerton, SC.
Bronze Statue of General Francis Marion (M8)
This bronze statue, General Francis Marion, stands in the window of Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce at 19 N. Brooks Street, Manning, SC.
From all reference sources, this Bob Barinowski statue is the best likeness ever done of Gen. Marion. Barinowski sculpted this Marion in 2006.
Come find this Marion statue in Manning: 33° 41′ 44.52″ N 80° 12′ 38.88″ W.
February 27-28, 2015, was the best-ever (and last) such event, with about 800 participants even with cold and held inside: American Revolutionary Francis Marion Days Living History Encampment and Celebration of “General Francis Marion Memorial Day and Victory at Wyboo Swamp,” Camp Bob Cooper, Summerton, SC. Held to honor General Francis Marion Memorial Day, which the South Carolina Legislature designated as February 27. The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society sponsored General Francis Marion Days Living History.
Battle of Wyboo Swamp Mural (M10-12)
Largest mural in Manning, April 2006, are the 12th-14th mural panels.
Part of the Bridges Campaign: Battle of Wyboo Swamp (Tuesday, March 6, 1781)
Battle of Wyboo Swamp: During the American Revolution, the Bridges Campaign or Watson Chase started on March 6, 1781. Col. Watson and British troops from Fort Watson were sent to crush General Marion. Marion’s Militia challenged them on the quarter-mile causeway over Wyboo Swamp. The cavalry clashed several times on the causeway. When the cannon arrived Marion withdrew to a position near the John Cantey Plantation. One of Marion’s men, Gavin James, personally killed three Tory dragoons on the causeway. He shot one and then bayoneted two from his horse.
- The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society commissioned this mural for the IGA (600 S. Mill St and Bozard St.) in Manning, 2006.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Prints (11″ x 17″) of the 3 panels are available NOW on Shop.
- Find this 12′ x 105′ mural: 33° 41′ 10″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W and Wyboo Swamp site: 33° 32′ 20.4″ N 80° 13′ 4.8″ W.
Summary of Mural Locations with GPS
- Manning: Murals and statues sites listed closely, South to North:
- M 10-12 Battle of Wyboo Swamp: IGA, 600 S. Mill St.: 33° 41′ 10″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W
- M 13 Marion Militia Needs: Anderson Pharmacy, 419 S. Mill St.: 33°41’16.8″N 80°12’45″W
- M 14-15 Waiting in Ambush at Benbow’s Ferry: 36 Sunset Dr. and S. Boundary St.: 33° 41′ 27″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W
- M 9 Citizen Soldier: Piggly Wiggly, S. Mill St. and Sunset Dr.: 33° 41′ 27″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W
- M 7 Swamp Fox to Ox Swamp: Manning Fire Dept., 38 W. Boyce St.: 33° 41′ 42″N 80° 12′ 46″W
- M 8 Francis Marion Statue: Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, 19 N. Brooks St.: 33° 41′ 44.52″ N 80° 12′ 38.88″ W
- M 6 Reflections: Citi Trends, Rigby and Mill St.: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 42″ W
- M 5 The Swamp Fox Bursts Forth: Sub Station II, 37 N. Brooks St.: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W
- M 4 Halfway Swamp: Domino’s, Rigby and N. Brooks St.: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W
- M 1-3 Pond Bluff to St Stephen’s Church: Simpson’s ACE Hardware, 110 N. Brooks St.: 33° 41′ 51″ N 80° 12′ 36″ W
- M S Francis Marion Sculpture: FE DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, 3351 Sumter Hwy. US 521, 33° 43′ 30″ N, 80° 12′ 0″ W
- Paxville: (at stoplight):
- P 1 Richbourg Mill to Ox Swamp: Short Trip, US 15 and SC 261: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W
- Summerton: Murals sites listed North to South:
- S 1 The Patriot: Gater’s, 203 Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W
- S 2 The Redcoat: Summerton Hardware, 202 Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W
- S 3-6 Fort Watson (new edition): Summerton Hardware, 140 Main St.: 33° 36′ 28″N 80° 20′ 59″W
- S 7 Wagon Travel: Walker Bldg., 129 Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 21′ 00″ W
- S 8 Patriot at Scott Lake: Ginger’s, 4 S. Cantey St.: 33° 36′ 28″ N 80° 21′ 06″ W
- S 9 Elusive Marion: Clarendon School District, 5 S. Church St.: 33° 36′ 28.0794″ N 80° 21′ 10.08″ W
- Turbeville:
- T 1 Puddin Swamp: 1492 Main and Gamble St.: 33° 53′ 27″ N 80° 01′ 08″ W
- T 2 Tearcoat Swamp: Dollar General, 1401 Main and Calvert Sts.: 33° 53′ 26″N 80° 01′ 15″W
- T 3-6 Burning Mouzons: Corner of Main and Calvert Sts. – 2 sides: 33° 53′ 25″ N 80° 01′ 14″ W
Patriot Departs Scott Lake to Ride with Marion Mural (S8)
Patriot Departs his family at Scott Lake to Ride with Marion Mural in Summerton, completed April 2005, is the 10th mural
Patriot Departs his family at Scott Lake to Ride with Marion: During the American Revolution, August 1780, General Francis Marion was ordered by General Horatio Gates to roam the Santee River burning boats. Being successfully engaged in this task, he learned of Gates’ defeat at Camden. This Patriot left his family at Scott Lake to join Marion at nearby Nelsons Ferry. Other mounted militia join Marion on the River Road where they continue to attack British supply lines, then disappear into nearby swamps.
- The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this Summerton mural.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’Lakes, Florida. This mural is painted on North wall of Ginger’s Flowers, 4 S. Cantey St., Summerton, SC, April 2005.
- Look for this 11′ x 40′ Mural: 33° 36′ 28″ N 80° 21′ 06″ W, and Scott Lake site: 33° 32′ 20.4″ N 80° 26′ 16.8″ W
Citizen Soldier (National Guard of 1780) Mural (M9)
Citizen Soldier is recruited by Marion and Oscar (National Guard of 1780) (Refurbished 2022, above)
Citizen Soldier: During the American Revolution, the militia like Marion’s Brigade was totally dependent on a man with a horse and a gun who tended his farm and responded to Marion’s call to arms. Marion rides this horse before battle at Black Mingo, September 1780. Marion and Oscar summon farmer-soldier from his crops. These farmer-soldiers cut the supply lines, intimidated the Tories from Charles Town to Camden and thwarted and embarrassed the British from the Pee Dee to the Santee River.
- The Town of Manning, the Manning Piggly Wiggly, the Manning Rotary and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Manning, SC.
- Artists: Dayton & Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, TX. (15′ x 102′ Mural Painted on East wall of Piggly Wiggly, corner S. Mill St. and 36 Sunset Dr., Manning, SC, April, 2003, refurbished in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2015.)
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC
- Look for this 15′ x 102′ mural: 33° 41′ 27″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W
Puddin’ Swamp 1776: The Frontier (T1)
Puddin’ Swamp 1776: The Frontier: During the American Revolution, the Puddin’ Swamp and the Black River were on the frontier.
Brave and adventurous pioneer families settled on the higher ground near the Rivers. Pioneers cooked over open fires, grew their food, tapped pines for rosin, and poled supplies on the rivers. General Francis Marion was totally dependent on farmers who responded to his call to arms. Marion and Oscar visited a farmer-soldier family.
- The Town of Turbeville and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society made this mural possible in Turbeville, SC to promote heritage tourism throughout Clarendon County. Artist is Dayton Wodrich, Brenham, TX, 2003. This mural is painted on Gamble and Main Streets, Turbeville, SC November, 2003, refurbished 2008.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville.
- Look for this 11′ x 50′ mural: 33° 53′ 27″ N 80° 01′ 08″ W and Puddin Swamp site: 33° 51′ 14.3994″ N 80° 29′ 42″ W
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp Original Mural (T2)
In the American Revolution, October 25, 1780, General Marion learned Colonel Tynes with a party of over 90 drew supplies and new muskets at Camden. Tynes was camped at the edge of Tearcoat Swamp between the forks of the Black River. Marion called a muster and with 150 men moved to Kingstree. He then turned west and moved swiftly toward Tearcoat. After scouting the encampment Marion split his force into three companies and attacked at midnight. The attackers killed 6, wounded 14 and captured 23 men. They also captured the food, baggage, ammunition, 80 new muskets, and horses with saddles. However, Tynes escaped, but was captured a few days later in the High Hills.
- The citizens of Clarendon County and the Town of Turbeville donated this mural in Turbeville, SC.
- Original Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. Mural painted on West wall of Dollar General, Park St., Turbeville, SC, June, 2002, refurbished 2008.
- Revolutionary History in Clarendon County, SC with General Francis Marion, The “Swamp Fox.”
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Turbeville, Manning, Paxville, Summerton, SC.
- Look for this 8′ x 32′ mural: 33° 53′ 26″N 80° 01′ 15″W and Tearcoat site: 33° 48′ 50.4″ N 80° 8′ 34.8″ W
Chase from Richbourg’s Mill to Ox Swamp Mural (P1)
Chase from Richbourg’s Mill to Ox Swamp: During the American Revolution, November 1780, Colonel Banastre Tarleton with his Green Dragoons hunted General Francis Marion. Tarleton encamped at the late General Richardson’s home. Marion was warned by Dorothy Sinkler Richardson, the widow’s son, and quickly withdrew to Jack’s Creek near Richbourg’s Mill (about 5 miles). Learning from a Tory spy that General Marion had slipped away, Tarleton gave chase. Marion and his militia, staying just ahead of the dragoons and fighting a series of delaying actions with his rear guard, rode to the head of Jack’s Creek, down the Pocotaligo River, beyond Ox Swamp where Tarleton gave up the chase after 26 miles’ hard ride. Marion’s planned ambush was several miles further at Benbow’s Ferry.
- Don and Anna Marie Marshall donated this Swamp Fox Mural in Paxville.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, and Turbeville.
- Artists: Master Peace Originals, The Williams Family, Sumter, SC. This mural is painted on North wall of Short Trip formerly McLeod’s Grocery and PO, HWY 261, Paxville, SC, January, 2005.
- Look for this 8′ x 28′ mural: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W and Richardson home site, Old River Road: 33° 36′ 39.5994″ N 80° 27′ 46.7994″ W
Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp Mural (M7)
This Swamp Fox Mural in Manning, completed December 2001, is the 1st mural
Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp: In the American Revolution, November 8, 1780, General Francis Marion and his militia lured British Colonel Tarleton and his Green Dragoons about 26 miles from Jack’s Creek through the swamps (Sammy and Pocotaligo) to Ox Swamp. After spending 6 hours in this pursuit, Tarleton gave up the chase saying “as for the old fox (Marion), the devil himself could not catch him.” Thus, General Marion became known as the “Swamp Fox.”
- The citizens of Clarendon County and Manning donated this mural in Manning.
- Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC, 2001.
- This 12 foot x 48 foot mural is painted on West wall of the Manning Fire Station, corner of 42 W. Boyce and Boundary, completed December 2001, refurbished to restore: 2008 and 2016.)
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
- Look for this 12′ x 48′ mural. 33` 41′ 42″N 80` 12′ 46″W and Ox Swamp site: 33° 41′ 31.2″ N 80° 12′ 3.5994″ W
Ambush at Halfway Swamp Mural (M4)
Ambush at Halfway Swamp: During the American Revolution, December 1780, over 750 recently arrived British replacement fusiliers were marching from Nelson’s Ferry having crossed the Santee River. Major McLeroth’s British troops from Moncks Corner joined them as an escort to Camden. General Marion’s Brigade was hiding in the swamp in ambush positions near Fludd’s Mill (now Elliott’s Mill Pond) on the River Road. Marion’s Brigade began picking off the British. This harassment led to the major’s flag of truce and another bit of history and another mural someday.
- The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Manning, SC.
- Artists: Master Peace Originals: Liz and Adam Williams, Sumter, SC.
- Mural painted on the East wall of Domino’s (formerly B Mart), corner 1 W. Rigby and Brooks St., Manning, SC June, 2004.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC
- Find this 9′ x 45′ mural: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W and Halfway Swamp site, Old River Road: 33° 39′ 14.4″ N 80° 29′ 42″ W
Wagon Travel, Summerton Mural (S7)
Wagon Travel: During the American Revolution, travel was slow and hard work. Wagons needed to stop often, since wooden axles and wooden wheels required grease and maintenance. Marion’s militia traveled in a day only as far as men could walk or ride horses; they were documented as able to travel 50 miles through the swamps at night on horseback. Most travel from Nelsons Ferry to Camden was along the Santee Path just west of here. This Patriot gives directions to Marion’s camp near Jack’s Creek.
- The Citizens of Summerton, the Ardis Family, and the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic US 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, and Turbeville.
- Artists: Master Peace Originals, the Williams Family, Sumter, SC
- This mural is painted on the east wall of Old Bank/Martin Building, 129 Main Street, Summerton, SC, September, 2004.
- Look for this 12′ x 12′ mural: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 21′ 00″ W
Murray’s Ferry Historic Marker (M8)
The General Francis Marion story (in 1780) is told on the Murray’s Ferry Historic Marker. This marker originated on the first Santee River Bridge entrance on brick posts, now highway US 52. It returned to South Carolina via Florida and Ohio.
- Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society coordinated the rescue and return September, 2008. Special thanks to A. and R. Hausfeld, J.M. Odom, B. Rowe, D. Stewart, G. Summers and W. Turbeville.
- This Santee River historic bronze piece on HMDB: 33° 41′ 45.5994″ N 80° 12′ 39.5994″ W which stands in the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce office 19 N. Brooks Street, Manning, SC
It states: Murray’s Ferry – Santee River Chartered by acts of the General Assembly beginning March 8, 1741 with title vested successively in Joseph Murray, Theodore Gaillard, James Hunter, Trustee, Adam McDonald, Theodore Gourdin and William Staggers. Upon the death of Staggers in 1863, the ferry was abandoned. On his plantation near here is buried General Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, the greatest of partisan leaders in the bitter struggle for independence in the Carolinas during the Revolution. This crossing with the dense swamp was used by him most successfully in harassing and eluding the enemy. After the fall of Charleston, the British established a guard here and on the night of August 23, 1780, General Marion, then Lieutenant Colonel of the second South Carolina Continental Regiment, attacked and captured this post.
Siege of Fort Watson Original Mural (S3)
Colonel Lee and Lee’s Legion joined General Marion and Marion’s Brigade on the Santee River. They elected to capture British-held Fort Watson to get supplies. General Thomas Sumter had attacked Fort Watson unsuccessfully on February 28, 1781. Marion’s men laid siege to Fort Watson for many days starting on April 16, 1781. While waiting for a cannon to arrive, Major Maham suggested building a tower to have sharpshooters pick off the Redcoats inside the fort. The Patriots gathered saplings for several days and constructed the tower overnight. The use of the tower led to the capture of Fort Watson on April 23, 1781, and was the final Battle of Fort Watson. (12′ x 32′ mural)
- The citizens of Clarendon County and SC Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper) donated this mural in Summerton, SC.
- Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. (Mural Painted on east wall of Baucom’s, Duke and Main Sts., Summerton, SC, December, 2002, destroyed 2008.)
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, Turbeville, SC.
Home in the Backcountry, 1780 Mural
During the American Revolution, life at home in the backcountry was difficult for all. Families had to be self-sufficient. The children carried water and carded cotton for the spinning wheel, helped tend the kitchen garden, cared for animals, milked cows, and made butter and soap. The women protected and managed the home when the men and boys were away fighting with Marion’s Brigade. (14′ x 60′ mural)
- Santee Cooper, Summerton Downtown Development Events Committee, and Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Summerton, SC.
- Artists: Dayton and Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, TX.
- Mural Painted on the West & East walls of old Dr. Keller’s office and the Masonic Building, Main St., Summerton, SC, May, 2004, destroyed 2009.
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Manning, Paxville, Summerton, and Turbeville, SC.
