Johnsonville in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Francis Marion at Witherspoon's Ferry

Photographed by Dave W, May 14, 2023

1. Francis Marion at Witherspoon's Ferry Marker

Inscription.
At this place on August 17, 1780, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion took command of the Williamsburgh militia, one of the few remaining American fighting forces opposing the British in South Carolina.

For the remainder of 1780 and into 1781, this brigade, led by Marion and augmented by militia from the areas surrounding the Pee Dee, Santee, and Black Rivers, would keep the cause of American liberty alive in South Carolina, and would ultimately play a prominent role in the achievement of American independence.

In late March of 1781, elements of Marion's brigade engaged British troops that were crossing Lynches River here as they retreated from the destruction of Marion's camp at Snow's Island.

Citizen soldiers, both black and white, rode forth from where you stand to fight for the rights and ideals that define the American nation.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is August 17, 1780.

Location. 33° 50.301′ N, 79° 26.906′ W. Marker is in Johnsonville, South Carolina, in Florence County. It is on Odell Venters Landing east of Kingsbury Highway (South Carolina Route

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

41), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 714 Odell Venters Landing, Johnsonville SC 29555, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Witherspoon’s Ferry: Francis Marion Takes Command (within shouting distance of this marker); General Francis Marion (within shouting distance of this marker); Witherspoon’s Ferry / Johnsonville (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marion at Port’s Ferry / Asbury at Port’s Ferry (approx. 1½ miles away); Ebenezer United Methodist Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); Snow’s Island: Den of the Swamp Fox (approx. 6.2 miles away); Britton's Neck / Britton's Ferry (approx. 6.8 miles away); Marion's Camp at Snow's Island (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnsonville.

Other markers no longer nearby. Dunham’s Bluff: Control of the Rivers (was approx. 6.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Snow’s Island (was approx. 6.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Dave W, May 14, 2023

2. Francis Marion at Witherspoon's Ferry Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 656 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.