Lancaster County · Marker 29-28
The Revolution in the Backcountry
Harrisburg Rd. (S.C. Sec. Rd. 64), between Hancock and Fort Mill
Front inscription
After British forces took Charleston in May 1780, they set up outposts in the backcountry and attempted to control the state by encouraging Loyalists. Backcountry Patriots organized a resistance in response, with an important camp ½ mi. E at Clems Branch of Sugar Creek, on the wagon road from Camden to Charlotte.
Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch
In June 1780 Col. Thomas Sumter’s troops were among the few organized Patriot units in S.C. The camp at Clems Branch gave him a strategic location, water, and forage while reinforcements joined him in late June and early July. Sumter’s troops would play a major role in several Patriot victories in 1780 and 1781.