Near McConnells in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Attack on the Loyalist Militia Camp

— Huck's Defeat Battlefield Trail —

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 3, 2025

1. Attack on the Loyalist Militia Camp Marker

Inscription. The battle began at sunrise on July 12, 1780, as the Patriot militia under Colonels Bratton and Neel attacked the Loyalist militia in the field south of the Williamson house. The Loyalists were taken completely by surprise; many of them were killed or wounded, while others, including their commander, Colonel Matthew Floyd, fled the battlefield. Loyalist Colonel James Ferguson was shot down at point blank range as he tried to rally his men. The Patriots then advanced toward the Provincial troops camped in Williamson's Lane.

"Colonel Ferguson and some of his men were killed during the first onset, the rest away and chiefly left their horses though saddled and ready to mount."
Captain Richard Winn, Patriot militia officer

(Credit) Painting by Dan Nance © 2014

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is July 12, 1780.

Location. 34° 51.965′ N, 81° 10.37′ W. Marker is near McConnells, South Carolina, in York County. It can be reached from Brattonsville Road north of Percival Road (South Carolina Road 46-380), on the right when traveling north.

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The marker is on the Huck's Defeat Battlefield Trail, located at Historic Brattonsville. The trail is to the east of the visitors center or to the north of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1444 Brattonsville Rd, Rock Hill SC 29730, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands

and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

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 walking distance of this marker: Martha and Watt (a few steps from this marker); The Combatants (a few steps from this marker); Attack on the British Provincials (a few steps from this marker); Huck's Death (within shouting distance of this marker); Huck's Defeat (within shouting distance

Attack on the Loyalist Militia Camp Marker on the Huck's Defeat Battlefield Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 3, 2025

2. Attack on the Loyalist Militia Camp Marker on the Huck's Defeat Battlefield Trail

of this marker); The Officers' Council (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brattonsville Academy 1840 (about 300 feet away); The James Williamson Plantation and Log House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McConnells.

Also see . . . Battle of Huck's Defeat.

In the spring and summer of 1780, the Revolutionary War moved full force into York County. On the evening of July 10th, Captain Christian Huck of the British Legion was sent to arrest Patriot leaders in the area with about 120 of his men, but many eluded capture. Huck’s forces headed for Colonel William Bratton’s plantation. On the way, the British confiscated food, horses, and other valuables from local families. Colonel Bratton was away with the militia at Thomas Sumter’s camp along the Catawba River.

(Submitted on June 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Battlefield Trail entrance to the left. Brattonsville parking lot on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 3, 2025

3. Battlefield Trail entrance to the left. Brattonsville parking lot on the right

Note: battlefield trail is a part of the entry fee, which is paid at the visitors center

Battlefield Trail sign behind the visitors center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, May 3, 2025

4. Battlefield Trail sign behind the visitors center

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.