As a northern girl for most of my life, I was surprised by the historical significance of the Carolinas to the birth of our country. So often we were taught about Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Saratoga and then everything wrapped up in Yorktown. But there is so much more to learn about the Revolutionary War. As a history buff, I have enjoyed teaching my kiddos about it.
In November I was delighted to attend the 50th anniversary of the reenactment of the Battle of Camden. Now many people may wonder why we would want to celebrate this event in South Carolina as it was a British victory. But in order to appreciate the importance of the events that happen later, you must look at all the engagements in our state.
The Battle of Camden took place on Aug. 6, 1780. Genal Horatio Gates led his army of about 4,000 Patriots to meet the British forces led by General Cornwallis. Although Gates's men outnumbered the British by nearly 2 to 1, they were not prepared for this engagement. The British were armed with bayonets and were better trained than many of the militia men that formed Gates' s army. When faced with the sharp end of the bayonet, the militia quickly fled leaving the Continental Regulars led by Major General de Kalb to fight the British. This horrible defeat left half of the men dead or captured.
After this battle, the American fighters were left in disarray. Gates would be removed from command. And two months later Nathaniel Greene would take his place.
The reenactment event was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about life in the Carolinas during the 1780s. Although there was no reenactment of the battle on the day we attended, there were many exhibits to see. My children learned about the types of weapons that would have been used during the battle. They were able to see how the different soldiers dressed and how they
set up camp. They learned from many local tradesmen how to make things like rope, linen fabric and cast iron items. We even had a surprise when we asked one campsite about the animal they were preparing over the open fire.....a beaver they had caught the day before!
I highly enjoy reenactment events. I can't wait to see the other reenactments we'll find in our state this year.
Happy Learning,
.png)
Comments