Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Thomas Sumter

"The Gamecock"

— 1734-1832 —

Thomas Sumter Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, August 24, 2008

1. Thomas Sumter Marker

Inscription. The most controversial of Greene's Militia commanders, Sumter was known for his trademark gamecock feather in his hat, his tenacity and his penchant for bloody frontal assaults - characteristics that earned him the moniker "The Gamecock."

Poorly educated but handsome, he was 46 when the British conquered South Carolina and destroyed his home. He raised Militia units to operate in the Midlands by promising plunder of Tory and British property (Sumter's Law) - a practice Greene stopped.

He led the only organized resistance against reestablished British rule in the fall of 1780, effectively freezing Cornwallis' army in the state and allowing Greene time to raise a Continental army. Fort Sumter and Sumter County are named in his honor.

Erected 2006.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. 34° 50.842′ N, 82° 24.018′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street (State Highway 124) and East Broad Street on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenville SC 29601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. Francis Marion (here, next to this marker); Andrew Pickens (here, next to this marker); Greenville's General (here, next to this marker); Old Glory (a few steps from this marker); The South Carolina Flag (a few steps from this marker); Guilford Courthouse Flag (a few steps from this marker); The Betsy Ross Flag (a few steps from this marker); Harper Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

More about this marker. Marker is one of three surrounding the statue of Nathanael Greene located at the intersection of Main and Broad Streets, beside the Greenville News building and across from the Peace Center for the Performing Arts.

Regarding Thomas Sumter. The Sumter National Forest is also named in his honor.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry: Thomas Sumter. Thomas Sumter (August 14, 1734 – June 1, 1832) was a hero of the American Revolution and went on to become a longtime member of the Congress of the United States. Sumter was born in Virginia in 1734. (Submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Nathanael Greene Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, August 24, 2008

2. Nathanael Greene Park

The marker is located at the junction of the bench surrounding Greene.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,687 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 28, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.