Battle of Eutaw Springs

Front: One of S.C.’s most significant Revolutionary War battles took place here on Sept. 8, 1781. British and Loyalist troops led by Lt. Col. Alexander Stewart had encamped at Eutaw Springs en route to Charleston. That morning, Continental and militia units led by American Gen. Nathanael Greene encountered British foragers several miles west. Greene then moved on this position and attacked. Reverse: Around 1,800-2,500 American and 1,300-2,000 British soldiers engaged in what Greene afterward said was “by far, the hottest action I ever saw, and the most bloody for the numbers engaged.” Combat occurred in nearby open fields and woodlands. Stewart’s men repelled the attack, however both sides suffered heavy casualties, and British losses hastened their abandonment of the S.C. Backcountry.