S.C. Revolutionary War Leaders | Palmetto Special

MARION, SUMTER, PICKENS

Thomas Sumter, the "Gamecock," Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," and Andrew Pickens, the "Wizard Owl" are perhaps the best known of South Carolina's Revolutionary War leaders. Their premier contributions occurred during 1780 and 1781 when the war moved south in full force. Sumter was one of the first to form a regiment and his actions inspired others to join in the resistance to the Tory forces Marion was noted for his "hit and run" guerrilla tactics. Pickens was a man of strong character and commitment.

The television lesson includes a segment on each man designed to give an insight into his character. Andrew Pickens had been parolled by the British in Charleston when that city was captured in May 1780. As a condition of the parole, he had given his word that he would not take up arms against the British unless he, his family or property was violated. This segment tells what occurred to cause Pickens to reenter the war.

At the battle of Fishdam Ford on the Broad River, Thomas Sumter had an opportunity to get personal revenge on a man who hours earlier had attempted to kill him. This segment depicts the events that led to the incident and the manner in which General Sumter handled the situation.

Francis Marion was involved in a number of skirmishes that caught the enemy off guard, forced them to reckon with him, thus allowing other patriot forces to conduct their missions with greater success. This segment shows how Marion received the nickname "Swamp Fox."

Standards

• 3-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in the development of the new American nation.
  • People establish governments to provide stability and ensure the protection of their rights as citizens. To understand the causes and results of the American Revolution on South Carolina, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in ...
    • 3-3.3 Summarize the course of the American Revolution in South Carolina, including the role of William Jasper and Fort Moultrie; the occupation of Charles Town by the British; the partisan warfare of Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, and Francis Marion; a...
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the process which led to the formation of the U.S. government, including the convening of the Continental Congresses, the passage of the Articles of Confederation, and the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into South Carolina’s participation in the American Revolution and the subsequent creation of a new government.
• 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...
    • 8-2.5 Summarize the role of South Carolinians in the course of the American Revolution, including the use of partisan warfare and the battles of Charleston, Camden, Cowpens, Kings Mountain and Eutaw Springs.
• 8.2.CO Compare the motives and demographics of loyalists and patriots within South Carolina and the colonies.
• Political and economic developments underscored how the colonists in British North America had become uniquely American, prompting the development of a new nation. Drawing on their experience under British rule, the founding generation created a government with shared powers between the state and federal institutions.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the motivations of colonists during the American Revolution and the progression of conflict and failed compromise that ultimately led to revolution.