Johnsonville in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
General Francis Marion
South Carolina's Revolutionary Rivers
The SC Revolutionary Rivers® trail highlights the American Revolution's Southern Campaign and in particular General Francis Marion, “the Swamp Fox.”
Designated a National Recreation Trail in 2014, the 66 miles of river offer paddlers a captivating experience of floating through swampland that was once traversed by Patriots engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Loyalists. Short excursions and overnight rustic camping opportunities are numerous.
These stretches of river appeal to more than just history enthusiasts. Birders and ecologists will recognize this terrain's rich biodiversity, as well.
For those who want to know more about the remarkable military feats of General Francis Marion, the Francis Marion Trail is a driving tour complete with audio recordings. See more at www.visitflo.com/screvrivers.
General Francis Marion
In late 1779 and early 1780, British military planners implemented a new strategy to retake the rebellious North American colonies. But by the fall of 1780, the British realized that their hold on South Carolina was far from secure.
Along the Pee Dee and Santee rivers, Francis Marion, a Continental officer who had escaped the fall of Charleston by chance, revived the Patriot militias and began attacking British supply and communications lines. With a band of fighters that reflected the ethnic and religious diversity of the province - including Native Americans, English, Ulster Scots, French Huguenots, free and enslaved Africans, and mixed-race people - Marion pioneered a form of guerilla warfare that took advantage of the heavily forested wetland terrain of the Lowcountry.
Vastly outmanned and outgunned, Marion and other Patriot militia leaders constantly harassed the British and Loyalist forces in a series of small engagements. By denying the British total victory in South Carolina, Marion's militia helped turn the tide of the war in favor of independence.
Erected by Francis Marion Trail Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.
Location. 33° 50.325′ N, 79° 26.893′ W. Marker is in Johnsonville, South Carolina, in Florence County. Marker is on Odell Venters Landing east of Kingsbury Highway (South Carolina Route 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.
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 (a few steps from this marker); Francis Marion at Witherspoon's Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnsonville (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Witherspoon’s Ferry / Johnsonville (about 700 feet away); Marion at Port’s Ferry / Asbury at Port’s Ferry (approx. 1˝ 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnsonville.
Also see . . . Paddling South Carolina's Revolutionary Rivers.
The SC Revolutionary Rivers Trail is a National Water Trail following the Lynches River from Lynches River County Park to the cypress and tupelo laden stomping grounds of Revolutionary War hero General, Francis Marion. General Francis Marion earned the name of the Swamp Fox during the Revolutionary War because he and his band of militia were able to simply disappear into the cypress swamplands.(Submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 35 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.