The Revolution in the Backcountry/ Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch Marker

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Near Fort Mill in Lancaster County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Revolution in the Backcountry/ Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch

The Revolution in the Backcountry Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

1. The Revolution in the Backcountry Marker

Inscription. [Marker Front]: The Revolution in the Backcountry 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.

[Marker Reverse]: 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.

Erected 2006 by Lancaster County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 29-28.)

Location. 35° 1.566′ N, 80° 52.248′ W. Marker is near Fort Mill, South Carolina, in Lancaster County. Marker is on Harrisburg Road (State Road 29-64) 0.1 miles south of Hidden Creek Court, on the right when traveling north. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Mill SC 29707, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

2. Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch Marker

within 11 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. South Carolina (approx. 5.1 miles away in North Carolina); Nation Ford (approx. 6.6 miles away); General Paul R. Younts Expressway (approx. 7.1 miles away in North Carolina); Columbia Seminary Chapel (approx. 10.8 miles away); Sims Home Site (approx. 10.9 miles away); First Home of Winthrop College (approx. 11 miles away); Rock Hill High School (approx. 11 miles away); First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church / Dr. Arthur Small Rogers (approx. 11.1 miles away).

Also see . . . PDF on Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch. Contains history of the camp and photos of the camp site, the old wagon road, and a milestone marker that may date to Revolutionary era stating the miles to nearby Charlotte (Submitted on November 3, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina.)