Overmountain Men | Kings Mountain

Overmountain men were American frontiersmen from west of the Appalachian Mountains (now Tennessee) who fought in the Revolutionary War.  

When Major Patrick Ferguson led his amy into South Carolina, he sent the overmountain men a bold warning. With an army of 120 well-trained British Provincial soldiers, formed from Northern volunteer units, along with about 800 loyalist militiamen recruited from the Carolinas, Ferguson was confident of a victory. 

Unfortunately, Ferguson had isolated himself from the main British army by establishing an elevated position at Kings Mountain.

On October 7, 1780, under the leadership of Colonel Isaac Shelby and Captain John Sevier, a thousand Overmountain men (Patriots) surrounded Ferguson and his army. A hail of patriot bullets hit Ferguson at the same time, and he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

The Battle at Kings Mountain was a great victory and placed in motion for the tides to turn in favor for the Patriots.

Standards

• 4-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England.
  • Revolutions result from resistance to conditions that are perceived as unfair by the people who are demanding change. The changes brought about by revolution can be both positive and negative. To understand the results of the conflict between the Amer...
    • 4-3.3 Summarize the importance of the key battles of the Revolutionary War and the reasons for American victories including Lexington and Concord, Bunker (Breed’s) Hill, Charleston, Saratoga, Cowpens, and Yorktown.
• 8-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes of the American Revolution and the beginnings of the new nation, with an emphasis on South Carolina’s role in the development of that nation.
  • The events surrounding the American Revolution transformed British colonists into American citizens. To understand South Carolina’s pivotal role in this process, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indica...
    • 8-2.1 Explain the political and economic consequences of the French and Indian War on the relationship of the South Carolina colonists with Native Americans and England.