Sumter in Sumter County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
General Thomas Sumter 1734 -1832
Thomas Sumter was born near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia in 1734. He fought in the French and Indian War and also against the Cherokees in 1761.
(South Face)
Sumter married Mary Cantey in 1767 in St. Marks Parish (Clarendon County) South Carolina. They had one child who survived, a son Thomas Sumter, Jr., born 1768
He served as a Justice of the Peace (1774) and as a member of the First Provincial Congress in South Carolina
(Southeast Face)
Brigadier General Sumter led a partisan (guerrilla) band in the American Revolution in battles such as Hanging Rock, Fishing Creek, Fish Dam Ford, Rocky Mount and Blackstock. Because of his tenacious fighting qualities during the Revolution, Sumter became renowned as the "Gamecock." [List of Bicentennial Committee names]
( Northeast Face)
In 1780 Governor John Rutledge appointed Sumter Commander-in-Chief of the South Carolina Militia
He held office in 1782 as a South Carolina Senator and was a member of the Continental Congress, 1783-1784.
(Northwest Face)
Sumter served as a member of the United States House of Representatives (1789-1793; 1797-1801) and in the Senate (1801-1810).
Thomas Sumter died on June 1, 1832, in Stateburg, South Carolina at the age of 98. He was the last surviving general officer of the American Revolution.
( West Face left)
Commissioned for the Bicentennial of Sumter City-County sculpted by Maria J. Kirby-Smith. Dedicated January 8, 2000
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1757.
Location. 33° 55.365′ N, 80° 20.475′ W. Marker is in Sumter, South Carolina, in Sumter County. Marker is on North Main Street near East Canal Street, on the right when traveling north. Located at the Sumter County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sumter SC 29150, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sumter World War II Monument (a few steps from this marker); Potter's Headquarters / Federal Order Of Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Sumter's Court Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); 8 Law Range (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church Sumter (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sumter Vietnam Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Tuomey Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sumter.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,535 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 23, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.