Near Manning in Clarendon County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Ox Swamp
The Swamp Fox Earns His Name
Marion learned the size of Tarleton’s force and in the dead of night withdrew east over Jack’s Creek toward the Pocotaligo River and Kingstree. Just before dawn Tarleton received word of Marion’s move and by daybreak was in full pursuit, galloping twenty-six miles “through Swamps, Woods, and Fastness toward Black River without a Halt.” But when they arrived at the wide, roadless expanse of Ox Swamp, they stopped, exhausted. Tarleton reportedly said to his troops, “Come my boys! Let us go back, and we will soon find the Gamecock (General Thomas Sumter, another Patriot partisan leader). But as for this damned old fox, the devil himself could not catch him.” The story spread until all the people along the Santee and the Pee Dee called Francis Marion the “Swamp Fox.”
Marion had an ambuscade set for Tarleton at Benbow’s Ferry ten miles east of Ox Swamp on the Black River.
Unable to catch Marion, Tarleton punished the surrounding community. Marion reported: “Col. Tarleton has burnt all the houses, and destroyed all the corn, from Camden down to Nelson’s Ferry... It is distressing to see women and children sitting in the open air around a fire, without a blanket, or any clothing but what they had on ..., for he spares neither Whig nor Tory.”
Erected 2012 by Francis Marion Trail Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Francis Marion Trail, and the Francis Marion Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is November 7, 1991.
Location. 33° 42.941′ N, 80° 11.875′ W. Marker is near Manning, South Carolina, in Clarendon County. Marker is on US 301 & US 521, on the left when traveling north. Less than 1/2 mile from Pocotaligo Nature Walk sign, adjacent to the Pocotaligo Swamp. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manning SC 29102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Manning Schools (approx. 1.2 miles away); Hanna Levi Memorial Library / Manning Library (approx. 1.4 miles away); Pond Bluff to St Stephens (approx. 1.4 miles away); Ebenezer Baptist Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Ambush at Half-Way Swamp (approx. 1½ miles away); Fuel 24 (approx. 1½ miles away); The Swamp Fox (approx. 1½ miles away); Francis Marion Reflections (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manning.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. ..the relationship, study the marker shown.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2012, by C Summers of Manning, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,517 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 15, 2012, by C Summers of Manning, South Carolina. 2. submitted on January 26, 2012, by C Summers of Manning, South Carolina. 3. submitted on March 7, 2012, by C Summers of Manning, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.