Swamp Fox Points of Interest
Clarendon County, SC on the north shore of Lake Marion and on Historic U.S. 301 - “Highway to Southern Living” Named Swamp Fox Trail in 1925
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 & Turbeville.
©2001 Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp Mural, Manning, corner of Boyce & Boundary, Manning
In the American Revolution, Nov. 8, 1780, Gen. Francis Marion and his militia lured British Col. Tarleton & his Green Dragoons about 26 miles from Jacks Creek through the swamps 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, Gen. Marion became known as the “Swamp Fox”. This mural is made possible by the citizens of Clarendon County and Manning to promote heritage tourism throughout the county.
Come to Manning for more Swamp Fox murals. Every mural tells a story of the events of the American Revolution in South Carolina. Summary of Murals & Historic Sites with GPS.
Fort Watson AR (Augmented Reality) . Download this New Free App. Walk in history, 1781. Thanks to the 250th .
Statues of General Francis Marion
Markers of Men who rode with Marion:
William McIntosh, 1764-1843
In the Revolutionary War At the age of 16 he joined Marion’s little band of Patriots, is buried in Midway Presbyterian Church Cemetery, New Zion, Clarendon County, SC.
Alexander Hodge, 1760-1836
One of Marion’s Men, marker in Sam Houston Park, Houston, TX. (Thanks, Joe Stukes, for the photo, 2014.)
Sylvia’s ancestor Hugh Hanna
South Carolina Gen Francis Marion’s Brigade Revolutionary War 1759-1842 is buried in Garden of Memories Cemetery Florence County, SC
Dianne’s ancestor Col Abel Kolb, 1750-1781
Commander of Pee Dee Regiment of Gen Francis Marion Brigade, is buried in Society Hill, Marlboro County, SC
Ernie A’s ancestor Joseph Anderson, 1757-1848, PVT. SC Militia in Gen. Francis Marion’s Brigade is buried in Friendship Cemetery, Metcalfe, GA
William Austin Stone, 10 Jul 1748 – 25 May 1818 Marion County, SC Private in General Francis Marion’s Brigade Revolutionary War, is buried in Old Landing Cemetery, Hannah, Florence County, SC
John Ammons 1760-1852 BIRTH 1760 North Carolina DEATH 1852 (aged 91–92) Georgia BURIAL High Bluff Cemetery Hoboken, Brantley County, Georgia
David D’s ancestor, Captain Peter DuBose, 1755-1846, Served in the militia under General Francis Marion, is buried at DuBose’s Crossing, Lee County, SC
Henry DuRant, 1755-1805, Saint Luke Cemetery, Bishopville, Lee County, SC
Robert McCottry, Sr BIRTH 2 Mar 1748 DEATH 4 Mar 1805 (aged 57) at McCottry-McCutchen Cemetery, Williamsburg County, SC MEMORIAL ID 107203964
Capt William McCottry BIRTH unknown DEATH 31 Jul 1789 at McCottry-McCutchen Cemetery, Williamsburg County, SC MEMORIAL ID 127474318
William Richardson, Marion’s S.C. Militia Rev. War. Buried at Flower’s Cemetery, Britton’s Neck, Marion, SC
(Godbold marker above)
Zachariah and his wife Rachel had 10 children together. He is the only known Revolutionary War Veteran buried in Baldwin County, Alabama.
Inscription:…. Sacred to the memory of Zechariah Godbold a native of Marion District, S.C. who departed this life July 13th, 1832, aged 69 years, 3 months and 10 days….. At an early age he joined the ranks of Genl Marion in that eventful struggle which was over Independence….. This stone is erected by his widow and son in testimony of their esteem for a kind husband, indulgent Father and generous friend…..Rest in Peace
Sacred to the memory of George Summers, Born in Chester England 1735, He came to America. Enlisted with General Marion near the beginning of the Revolutionary War and while home on forty eight hour furlough was killed by the Tories in June 1781. Graves found by Bill Segars in Summers Cemetery in Orangeburg, SC
History Tour Apps
Free for the Android & Apple products with Chrome or on your computer with Chrome, Touch a historical marker, hear the text of the marker and for more marker information. Touch the “View” under the marker, for the Google street view. Come tour in Clarendon County, SC (app by David Brinkman).
The Liberty Trail App, SC Battlefield Trust.
An unexpected journey through place and time.
Revolutionary War Patriot graves in Clarendon County, SC
John 1758-1825 | near Camp Harmony, Manning-Kingston Hwy | Clarendon | N 33.5258 W80.3211 | |
| Benbow | Evan 1765-1835 | Benbow Green Cemetery, Summerton | Clarendon | |
| Dickey | James | McFadden Cemetery | Clarendon | N33.704 W 80.2449 |
| Harvin | Richard 1746-1807 | Harvin Hodge Cemetery, Alcolu | Clarendon | |
| McFadden(in) | Robert 1763-1829 | Durant-Harmony Presbyterian Church, Gable | Clarendon | |
| McFaddin | John | McFaddin Cemetery NW of Gable (Sardinia-Gable) | Clarendon | |
| McFaddin | Thomas 1760-1823 | McFaddin Cemetery NW of Gable (Sardinia-Gable) | Clarendon | N33.7671 W 80.0364 |
| McIntosh | William 1764-1843 | Midway Presbyterian Church, New Zion | Clarendon | N33.74 W 80.36 |
| Nelson | John 1753-1803 | Nelson-Plowden-Haynsworth Cem., Brewington Rd | Clarendon | |
| Pack | Joseph 1748-1827 | Paxville Baptist Church Cemetery, Paxville | Clarendon | |
| Ragin | John ?-1803 | Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Panola | Clarendon | |
Richard & Dorothy Sinkler | 1704-1780, 1739-1795 Richardson Family Cemetery, Rimini | Clarendon | ||
| Reardon | John James, Sr 1745-1801 | Midway Presbyterian Church, New Zion | Clarendon | |
| Rhame | Rev. Jeremiah Sr 1730-1805 | Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Panola | Clarendon | |
| Rhame | Rev. Jeremiah Jr ?-1822 | Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Panola | Clarendon |
- Good links to the historic markers and all the SF murals.
Up river on the Santee from Murray’s Ferry was Nelson’s Ferry & further west was Vance’s Ferry at the site of the current I-95 and older US 301 bridges. This article was published in the Manning Times July 22, 1925. This bridge would have been called The Francis Marion Bridge locally.
Santee Indian Mound/ Fort Watson
National Register of Historic Places – 1969 Historical evidence used for the “Archeology at Scott’s Lake, 1973” and Wanton, 1939, support the ancient Indian Province of Cofitachiqui being located at the upper part of the Santee River. Records and maps from 1540’s show that Cofitachiqui was at Scott’s Lake, now Lake Marion, or near Pine Island Unit of Santee NW Refuge. Santee Indian Mound was constructed as a ceremonial and burial mound and there were many mounds in this area. These mounds served as sub-structure platforms for ceremonies almost 800 years ago. Santee Indian Mound is included as part of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. A current Santee Indian Chief visited this site many times in 2000-2002. The British built the fort on the mound because of its strategic location. The British used it during the Revolution to control movement on the Santee River as well as the main road between Charleston and Camden. In the final battle of Fort Watson, this was the first post in South Carolina taken from the British. On April 15, 1871, General Francis Marion and Lt. Col. Henry “Lighthouse Harry” Lee encircled the fort and after 8 days of futile small arms fire, Major Hezekiah Maham constructed a pine log tower of sufficient height to overlook the defender’s stockade. On April 23, 1781, the Americans mounted an attack from the tower and from the ground which lasted only a short time. Lt. McCoy surrendered the fort, its garrison and supplies to General Marion, the “Swamp Fox”. (Located west of I-95, Exit 102, US 301/15 to County Road 803, 9 miles SW of Summerton 33.539° N 80.438° W)
(New Walk 2020) The Pocotaligo River has headwaters in Sumter County in streams such as Green Swamp, Piccolo Creek, Nasty Branch, Bunsen Swamp, Long Branch and Hatchet Camp Branch. It flows across Clarendon County to join Black River, flowing into Williamsburg County. Pocotaligo moves through miles of concealed silent swamps, wild and shrouded secrets since the days of the Indians, its wildlife sequestered. Glimpse into its murky magnificence from a boardwalk trail at a small park on the north edge of Manning.Access: From downtown Manning go North on US 301 for 1.6 miles to an entrance on West, Left, & South of the river’s bridge. This 1/2 mile boardwalk allows visitors to see native trees such as black gum, bald cypress, water tupelo, bay, willow oak and red maple. Wildlife includes wood ducks, songbirds, amphibians and an occasional glimpse of a reptile. Visit the Liberty Tree. On a treasure hunt, find the nature walk: 33° 42′ 51″ N 80° 12′ 04″ W Historic Ox Swamp Marker and Nature Walk
Historic U.S. 301 - “Highway to Southern Living” - Named Swamp Fox Trail in 1925
’Take a break from Interstate 95 and enjoy a relaxed, slower pace as you follow historic U.S. 301 through Clarendon County, SC.
- Exit 135 – Turbeville: Follow US 378 East:
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp (Middle of the night at Tearcoat Swamp, 1780) Mural – 3 Panels
Traitor to “Friend” Mouzon, burned his home 4 Panels
Puddin’ Swamp as the Frontier in 1776 Mural
Turbeville Veteran’s Memorial Park - Exit 132 – New Zion: Battle of Tearcoat – site & Historic marker
- Sardinia: Midway Presbyterian Church from 1802; Three McFaddin Plantation Homes, earliest was built before 1780
- Exit 122 – Alcolu US 521 West: Town of Alcolu founded in 1885 as a mill town for Alderman Lumber Co. The company store was built in 1914 and is used for antiques, adjacent to the restored Mill House.
Exit 122 – Manning: US 521 East: Welded Sculpture: “The Swamp Fox Sets an Ambush” at FE DuBose Campus/CCTC, 3351 Sumter Highway, Manning, SC 29102 - Exit 122 – Manning: US-521 East: Pocotaligo Nature Walk, Site of Marion chased by Tarleton, quit area & Liberty Tree. West side of US-521
Exit 122 – Manning US 521 East – Archives: Clarendon County Archives and History Center (803-435-0329) 211 N. Brooks Street, Manning, located next to the Harvin Clarendon Library and provides history spanning more than 240 years in the area.
Exit 122 – Manning: US 521 East: (left side) Pond Bluff to St. Stephen’s
(Francis Marion, Mary Esther & Oscar) 1790 – 3 Panels
US 521 East: (right side) Ambush at Half-Way Swamp (Francis Marion & Oscar oversee) 1780 – Mural
Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, bursts forth – Mural(Turn right & around the corner on Mill St.) Francis Marion – Reflections – 2 blocks West – Mural
Swamp Fox Murals for Manning
Manning: Exit 119 – Manning: SC 261 East:
Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp (Gen. Marion enticing Tarleton, 1780) – Mural
Francis Marion Statue by Barinowski, Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, 19 N. Brooks St., Manning.
Citizen Soldier (Marion & Oscar call to the National Guard of 1780) – Mural
Waiting in Ambush at Benbow’s – 2 Panel Mural
Marion’s Militia Needs Assistance (1780s EMS) – Mural
Bridges Campaign or Watson Chase: Battle of Wyboo Swamp, 1781 – 3 Panel Mural
Clarendon County Museum and History Center, 102 S. Brooks Street, Manning
Wolfe House, built in 1855, is the oldest home in Manning.
Old Manning Library can be traced to 1880 and is the Archives and History Center for
Clarendon County with bronze Amelia Bedelia next door.
Clarendon Court House sits on the spot selected in 1855 as the center of the county.
Ox Swamp is where Gen. Francis Marion got the nickname of “Swamp Fox” during the Revolutionary War. Ox Swamp Historic Marker
SC 261 West: Paxville: Chase from Richbourg’s Mill to Ox Swamp, 1780 – Mural- Battle of Wyboo Swamp site & historic marker, 10 miles south of Manning, Patriot Road
Swamp Fox Murals for Summerton
Manning / Summerton: I-95 Exit 115 & US 301 crossing , turn north to Manning for 12 murals or south to Summerton for 9 murals.
Exit 108 – Summerton: US 15/301 to Main Street, South to North on US 301: ( North to South listed below)
The Patriot and The Redcoat, The Chase Is On 2 Murals
Siege of Fort Watson: 4 postcards murals showing the events at Fort Watson 1781 4 Panel Mural
Wagon Travel 1780 Mural
Patriot Departs to Ride with Marion 1780 Mural
Elusive Francis Marion 1780 Mural
Home in the Backcountry (Frontier Woman) in the American Revolution, 1780 Mural (removed 2008)
Liberty Hill AME Church: origins of Briggs-DeLaine-Pearson & Briggs v. Elliott
Richardson Cemetery, Old River Road, Historic Marker near Rimini
Battle of Halfway Swamp & St Marks Church sites & Historic Markers
North on US 15 crossing SC 261 at Paxville: Chase from Richbourg’s Mill to Ox Swamp Mural
Exit 102 – Lake Marion / North Santee, US 15 / US 301
Santee National Wildlife Refuge /Fort Watson / Santee Indian Mound. Native American Indians used the area for hundreds of years and over 500 years ago built the ceremonial mound. The Indian mound was topped in 1780 by a British fort which was taken by the Americans under General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion and Harry Lee from Virginia in 1781. At Santee National Wildlife Refuge, the Visitor Center houses at variety of nature displays.
“History will record his worth, and rising generations his memory, as one of the most distinguished Patriots and Heroes of the American Revolution which elevated his native Country to Honour and Independence, and secured to her the blessings of Liberty and Peace. This tribute of veneration and gratitude is erected in commemoration of the noble and disinterested virtues of the citizen and gallant exploits of the Soldier who lived without fear, and died without reproach.” 33° 31.972′ N, 80° 25.908′ W
- Swamp Fox Stone Historic Marker
Historic Marker at Santee Indian Mound
- In 1950 SC DAR erected this Historic stone at Santee Indian Mound for Marion taking Fort Watson, 1781.
- Historic Markers database includes SF murals and Francis Marion Trail Commission markers.
Palmetto Trail From the mountains to the sea
“See wildlife at its best”
The Lake Marion Passage of the Palmetto Trail is officially designated, August, 2000, in Clarendon County. By the end of 2006, the total mileage of the Trail across SC to more than 225 miles. This over 30 mile passage of the Palmetto Trail skirts along the high-water mark of the north side of Lake Marion. After crossing Lake Marion on Historic 301 bridge, the Lake Marion Passage winds along the high water mark of the lake, along Old River Road, between Fludd’s Mill and the ‘hauntingly beautiful cypress lagoon’ Elliott’s Mill Pond and behind SC Waterfowl Association. Commercial campsites along the trail include Jack’s Creek Marina & Carolina King Resort, so hikers and bikers can stay on the trail for extended periods. Trail users will enjoy some of the most magnificent vistas in the Lowcountry with opportunity to spot abundant wildlife and colorful flora. Users have the possibility of encountering poisonous snakes and/or large alligators along the lake’s edge. Only hikers and bikers may use this section of trail. The Lake Marion Passage is marked by yellow blazes in Clarendon County. Hikers and bikers should wear bright colors during big game hunting season, which is from the middle of August through January. Old 301 Bridge for walking (parallel to I-95) open 2023.
A Brief History of General Francis Marion by Dr. Joe T. Stukes, including Marion becoming the Swamp Fox
The 4 panel murals in Turbeville, 2008, add to the Swamp Fox Murals Trail.
“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 the British Major James Wemyss burned out Patriots and Loyalists alike in a swathe 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 murals are donated by the Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society, 2008, and bring alive Revolutionary War history on Turbeville’s Main Street on Dr. Kate’s old Post Office building.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida
- Look for these 12′ x 48′ murals: 33° 53′ 25″ N 80° 01′ 14″ W & Mouzon’s home site: 33.733 N 79.933 W
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, and depicts Revolutionary War history on Summerton’s North Main Street on the Detwiler and Gaters buildings.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
- Look for these 2: 12′ x 12′ murals: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W
Bronze Statue of General Francis Marion
This bronze statue of General Francis Marion stands in the window of Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce office at 19 North 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.
General Francis Marion Memorial Day was designated as February 27 by South Carolina Legislature in 2007.
Come find this Marion statue in Manning: 33.696° N 80.211° W
Patriot Departs to Ride with Marion Mural
Patriot at Scotts Lake Mural in Summerton, completed April 2005, is the 10th
During the American Revolution, August 1780, General Francis Marion was ordered by General Gates to roam the Santee burning boats. Being successfully engaged in this task, he learned of Gates’ defeat at Camden. This Patriot left his family at Scott’s 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 (Mural Painted on North wall of Ginger’s Flowers, Summerton, SC April 2005)
- Look for this 11′ x 40′ Mural: 33° 36′ 28″ N 80° 21′ 06″ W & Scott’s Lake: 33.539N 80.438W
Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp Mural
This Swamp Fox Mural in Manning, completed December 2001, is the 1st
In the American Revolution, Nov. 8, 1780, Gen. Francis Marion and his militia lured British Col. Tarleton and his Green Dragoons about 26 miles from Jacks 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, Gen. 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.
- (The 12 foot x 48 foot mural is painted on West wall of the Manning Fire Station, corner of 42 W. Boyce & Boundary, completed December 2001, refurbished to restore: 2008 & 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 & Ox Swamp site: 33.692 N 80.201 W
Battle of Wyboo Swamp
Largest murals in Manning, 2006, are part of the Bridges Campaign: Battle of Wyboo Swamp (Tuesday, March 6, 1781)
During the American Revolution, the Bridges Campaign or Watson Chase started March 6, 1781. Colonel Watson and British troops from Fort Watson were sent to crush General Marion. Marion’s Militia challenged them on the 1/4 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 & Bozard St.) in Manning, 2006.
- Artist: Terry Smith, Land O’ Lakes, Florida Prints (11″ x 17″) of the 3 panels are available NOW.
- Look for these 12′ x 105′ murals: 33° 41′ 10″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W & Wyboo Swamp site: 33.539 N 80.218 W
Summary of Murals' Locations with GPS
- Manning: Murals & statues sites listed South to North:
- M 13 Marion Militia Needs, Anderson Pharmacy, S. Mill St.: 33°41’16.8″N 80°12’45″W
- M 10-12 Wyboo Swamp – IGA, S. Mill St.: 33° 41′ 10″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W
- M 9 Citizen Soldier – Piggly Wiggly, S. Mill St.: 33° 41′ 27″ N 80° 12′ 45″ W
- M 7 Swamp Fox to Ox Swamp – Manning Fire Dept., Boyce St.: 33° 41′ 42″N 80° 12′ 46″W
- M 8 Marion Statue – Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, 19 N. Brooks St.: 33.696° N 80.211° W
- M 6 Reflections – Citi Trends, Mill St.: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 42″ W
- M 5 The Swamp Fox – Sub Station II, N. Brooks St.: 33° 41′ 47″ N 80° 12′ 39″ W
- M 4 Half-Way Swamp – Domino’s, N. Brooks St.: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W
- M 1-3 Pond Bluff to St Stephens Church – Geddings Hardware, N. Brooks St.: 33° 41′ 51″ N 80° 12′ 36″ W
- Marion Sculpture – FE DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, US 521: 33.725° N, 80.2° W
- Paxville: (at stoplight):
- P 1 Richbourg Mill to Ox Swamp – Short Stop, US 15 & SC 261: 33° 44′ 19″ N 80° 21′ 28″ W
- Summerton: Murals sites listed North to South:
- S 1 The Patriot – Gaters, Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W
- S 2 The Redcoat – Detwilers, Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 20′ 57″ W
- S 3-6 Fort Watson (new edition)- Baucoms, Main St.: 33° 36′ 28″N 80° 20′ 59″W
- S 7 Wagon Travel – Walker Bldg., Main St.: 33° 36′ 30″ N 80° 21′ 00″ W
- S 8 Patriot at Scotts Lake – Ginger’s, S. Cantey St.: 33° 36′ 28″ N 80° 21′ 06″ W
- S 9 Elusive Marion – Opposite School District 1 offices & Summerton Cultural Arts Center, S. Church St.: 33.608° N 80.353°W
- Turbeville:
- T 1 Puddin Swamp – Formerly Griffin Drug Store, Main St.: 33° 53′ 27″ N 80° 01′ 08″ W
- T 2 Tearcoat Swamp – Dollar General, Main St.: 33° 53′ 26″N 80° 01′ 15″W
- T 3-6 Burning Mouzons – Formerly Older Post Office, Corner of Main & Gamble Sts. – 2 sides: 33° 53′ 25″ N 80° 01′ 14″ W **
Murray’s Ferry Historic Marker
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 Sept. 2008. Special thanks to A. and R. Hausfeld, J.M. Odom, B. Rowe, D. Stewart, G. Summers and W. Turbeville.
- This Santee River historic piece on HMDB : 33.696° N 80.211° W which stands in the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce office 19 North 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.”
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp Original Mural
In the American Revolution, October 25, 1780, General Marion learned Colonel Tynes with a party of over ninety 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 fourteen and captured twenty-three men. They also captured the food, baggage, ammunition, eighty 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, 2002.
- Artist: Will Anderson, Stateburg, SC. (Original Edition) (Mural Painted on West wall of Dollar General, Park St., Turbeville, SC June, 2002, refurbished 2008, re-done 2017.)
- 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 & Tearcoat site: 33.814 N 80.143 W
Siege of Fort Watson Original Mural
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 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 23rd, 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 St., Summerton, SC December, 2002, destroyed 2008, re-done 2009.)
- Follow the Swamp Fox Murals Trail on Historic 301: Summerton, Manning, Paxville, Turbeville, SC
"The Swamp Fox Song"
My name is Francis Marion. I fought the British redcoats in ’76,
Hiding in the Carolina swamps by day & surprising them with swift strikes at night.
They called me a tricky swamp fox, so a swamp fox I became.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox
Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox
Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
I fire a gun, the birds take wing.
Their startled cry’s a signal clear.
My men march forth to fight the King.
And leave behind their loved ones dear.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
We had no lead, we had no powder.
Always fought with an empty gun.
Only made us shout the louder.
We are the men of Marion.
We had no cornpone, had no honey,
all we had was continental money.
Couldn’t buy nothing worth beans in a pot
Roastin’ ears & possum was all we ever got.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
We had no blankets, had no beds.
Had no roof above our heads.
We get no shelter when it rains.
All we got was Yankee brains.
The Redcoats rise in a foreign land
Their hearts are far across the sea,
They never try to understand
We fight for home & liberty.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Tail on his hat. Nobody knows Where the Swamp Fox at.
Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, Hiding in the glen. He runs away to fight again.
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, made butter and soap. The women protected and managed the home when the men & boys were away fighting with Marion’s Brigade. (14′ x 60′ mural)
- Santee Cooper, Summerton Downtown Development Events Committee, Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society donated this mural in Summerton, SC.
- Artists: Dayton & Sandy Wodrich, Brenham, Texas.
- (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: Summerton, Manning and Turbeville.
