Oakland in Sumter County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Thomas Sumter
Symbol of South Carolina Resistance
Colonel Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee.
The land on which you now stand, here in the High Hills of Santee, once belonged to General Thomas Sumter. Today, only the graves of Sumter and many of his descendants remain as a vestige of his residence. Most of his exploits during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), Sumter contributed greatly to the ultimate defeat of British forces in South Carolina. Sumter distinguished himself most notably in 1780, after the British captured Charleston and then marched into the Carolina backcountry. Many patriots, disheartened by a series of British victories, laid down their weapons- but not Thomas Sumter. Earning the nickname "The Fighting Gamecock," he organized a partisan band of guerilla fighters who so harassed the King's troops that British General Lord Cornwallis considered Sumter his "greatest Plague." Sumter, who preferred the freedom of independent command, sometimes disregarded the orders of his superiors and clashed with fellow officers. Nevertheless, the "Gamecock" kept the spirit of Revolution alive in South Carolina at a critical time.
Having outlived every other Revolutionary War general, he died in 1832, at a remarkable age of 98. In 1907, the South Carolina General Assembly honored Sumter's service and sacrifice by erecting the granite monument that stands in the cemetery before you.
Map Included: South Carolina:
Between July 1780 and July 1781 General
Sumter struggled with British Forces in six
important engagements, keeping the cause
of independence alive after the fall of
Charleston.
[Picture of Sumter at left]
Born on the Virginia frontier in 1734, Sumter's military career spanned the French and Indian War (1756-1763) and the American Revolution. Plagued by financial troubles in Virginia, Sumter came to South Carolina in 1763 in search of new economic opportunity. He opened a store near Nelson's Ferry, on the Santee River, and went on to become one of the most prominent merchants and planters in the backcountry.
Erected by General Sumter Memorial Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, French and Indian • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 33° 59.223′ N, 80° 31.053′ W. Marker is in Oakland, South Carolina, in Sumter County. Marker can be reached from End of Action Road, on the right when traveling south. Located off Meeting House Road (State Road 43-488) South of Quimby Road at General Sumter Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dalzell SC 29040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. General Thomas Sumter Grave (a few steps from this marker); General Thomas Sumter (approx. ¼ mile away); General Sumter Memorial Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); High Hills Baptist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Battle of Beech Creek / The Civil War Ends In S.C (approx. 1.6 miles away); Church of the Holy Cross (approx. 2½ miles away); Joel Roberts Poinsett (approx. 2½ miles away); a different marker also named Church of the Holy Cross (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
Regarding Thomas Sumter. General Thomas Sumter served his country under four presidents.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,532 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 10, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.