Yamacraw Village in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Attack on British Lines
October 9, 1779
Over this ground, hallowed by the valor and the sacrifice of the soldiery of America and of France, was fought October 9, 1779, one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution when Savannah, which the British had possessed for several months, was attacked by the combined American and French forces.
A short distance west of this marker stood the famous Spring Hill Redoubt and along here ran the line of entrenchments built by the British around Savannah. After a three weeks siege, the Allies stormed the enemy works in this area early on October 9th.
Arrayed in the opposing armies that day were soldiers of many lands -- American Continentals, Grenadiers of Old France, Irishmen in the service of King Louis XVI, Polish Lancers, French Creoles, and Negro volunteers from Haiti, fighting for American Independence against English Redcoats, Scotch Highlanders, Hessians, Royalist provincials from New York, Tory militia, armed slaves, and Cherokee Indians.
After an heroic effort to dislodge the British the Allies retired with heavy losses. Thus the siege was lifted, and the French fleet sailed from Georgia, ending an episode of far-reaching significance in the American Revolution.
Erected 1952 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Native Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 9, 1779.
Location. 32° 4.56′ N, 81° 6.012′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in Yamacraw Village. Marker is on Louisville Road west of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Marker has been moved across the street from the Savannah Visitor Center to Battlefield Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lt. Col John Harris Cruger (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Anthony Wayne (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Pidcock (within shouting distance of this marker); Joel Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Brandt (within shouting distance of this marker); Spring Hill Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Joseph Lawton (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Ambrose Gordon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Also see . . .
1. American Revolution: Battle of Savannah. Thought Co. entry (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. William Jasper. Wikipedia biography:
Sgt. William Jasper, trying to rally his men to hold the line against the British grabbed the colors from the wall of the Spring Hill redoubt. He was struck and mortally wounded by British fire. (Submitted on February 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.) (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,981 times since then and 74 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2024, by Mark St. Martin of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on August 25, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on February 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 23, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on February 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7. submitted on February 17, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on February 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 9, 10, 11. submitted on March 28, 2024, by Mark St. Martin of Kalamazoo, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.