Near McConnells in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Field of Huck's Defeat
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, November 14, 2009
1. Field of Huck's Defeat Marker
[Front Marker]
Colonel William Bratton
defeated a British and Tory
force of 500 men
July 12, 1780.
On this date, Sept.30, 1953, there stands 200 feet to the north of this stone, the Revolutionary home of Col. William Bratton and his wife, Martha. The land was a grant under George the Third.
[Rear Marker]
Mrs. Martha Bratton
wife of
Col. William Bratton
----------
Loyal in the face of death.
Brave in the hour of danger.
Merciful in the moment of victory.
Erected 1902 by Kings Mountain Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1853.
Location. 34° 51.93′ N, 81° 10.535′ W. Marker is near McConnells, South Carolina, in York County. Marker is on Brattonsville Road, 0.3 miles north of Percival Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mc Connells SC 29726, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 3 miles of
this page online
More about this marker. Marker is part of Brattonsville Historic Site and is partially obscured by a wood fence.
Also see . . .
1. Brattonsville Historic District. Brattonsville is a small but important area of York County significant for its architectural record of South Carolina development. (Submitted on January 10, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Historic Brattonsville. Historic Brattonsville is a 775-acre American Revolution living history site and is a member of the Culture & Heritage Museums of York County, South Carolina. (Submitted on January 10, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. The Battle of Williamson's Plantation (Huck's Defeat)
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, November 14, 2009
2. Field of Huck's Defeat Marker
Rear side
4. Battle of Williamson's Plantation (Huck's Defeat). Huck’s Defeat or the Battle of Williamson's Plantation was an engagement of the American Revolutionary War that occurred in present York County, South Carolina on July 12, 1780, and was one of the first battles of the southern campaign to be won by Patriot militia. (Submitted on January 10, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Williamson's Plantation/Huck's Defeat
Date: July 12, 1780
Location: Brattonsville, York County
Commanders: Col. William Bratton, Capt. John McClure; Capt. Christian Huck
Casualties: American-1k, 1w; British-36k, 29c
Although the British now solidified their presence in South Carolina with outposts all along the midlands, partisan leaders managed to keep up a constant harassment. Thomas Sumter was knocking at the back door of the British stronghold at Rocky Mount and, in response, the commander there sent Capt. Christian Huck of Tarleton's Legion to deal with the Patriots. Huck ravaged the countryside on his way to Hill's
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, November 14, 2009
3. Field of Huck's Defeat Marker
On his way to Williamson's, Huck and his officers had struck terror in the hearts of local residents. At Captain McClure's house, Huck found two young men melting pewter dishes to make bullets for the Patriot cause. Huck dumped the boys in a corn crib and told them they would be hanged the next morning. When Mrs. McClure protested, he struck her with his sword and they rode off to Colonel Bratton's house. There, Mrs. Bratton was ordered to prepare a meal for the intruders, and when Huck demanded she tell him where her husband was, she professed ignorance. One of the officers snatched a reaping hook from the wall and held it to her throat, threatening to cut off her head if she did not disclose the whereabouts of the Patriots. She steadfastly refused and another officer intervened on her behalf before her blood was shed. Capt. Edward Lacey's home was also in the area, but his worry was not of his wife or mother covering for him and thus invoking Huck's wrath, but rather of his father betraying him, as the old man was an avowed Loyalist. Lacey had to tie him to his bed to keep him from warning Huck of the Patriots' movements.
Secure in the delusion that he commanded the area, Huck had failed to post pickets at his camp, which lay between rail fences lining the road. They never heard the Patriots who snuck up on the sleeping British and opened fire at 75 paces. Huck mounted his horse to rally his troops but was shot in the neck and killed. Few others escaped death or capture. This American victory is significant because it was the first time a loose-knit band of Patriots had met and conquered an organized unit of British regulars. (Source: South Carolina's Revolutionary War Battlefields: A Tour Guide by R.L. Barbour (2002), pgs 41-42.)
— Submitted January 10, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,251 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
