Early Conflicts and Cherokee Campaigns (1775-1776, with later actions)

  • Ninety Six (November 19-21, 1775): Greenwood County. First land battle south of New England; Patriots besieged Loyalists in a stockade. Forces: Patriots (1,900 militia under Maj. Andrew Williamson); Loyalists (600 under Maj. Joseph Robinson). Casualties: Patriots (1 KIA, 12 WIA); Loyalists (1 KIA, several WIA). Truce ended siege; boosted Patriot morale.
  • Great Cane Brake (December 22, 1775): Greenville County. Patriots ambushed Loyalists during Snow Campaign. Forces: Patriots (1,300 under Col. William Thomson); Loyalists (200 under Patrick Cunningham). Casualties: Patriots (5 WIA); Loyalists (6 KIA, 130 MIA).
  • Snow Campaign (December 23-30, 1775): Lexington, Saluda, Greenwood, Laurens, Greenville Counties. Upcountry expedition in snow against Loyalists. Forces: Patriots (3,000 militia); Loyalists (scattered bands). Casualties: Minimal combat deaths; many from exposure.
  • Sullivan’s Island (June 28, 1776): Charleston County. British fleet attacked Fort Moultrie; Patriots repelled invasion. Forces: Patriots (435 regulars/militia under Col. William Moultrie); British (9 warships, 2,200 troops under Maj. Gen. Henry Clinton). Casualties: Patriots (12 KIA, 25 WIA); British (64 KIA, 141 WIA). Major early victory.
  • Ring Fight (July 1776): Oconee County. Cherokee ambush on Patriot militia during anti-Cherokee expedition. Forces: Patriots (200 under Maj. Andrew Pickens); Cherokee (unknown warriors). Casualties: Patriots (4 KIA, 5 WIA); Cherokee (several KIA). Part of broader Cherokee War.
  • Last Cherokee Campaign (September 16, 1782): Oconee/Pickens Counties. Final raid against raiding Cherokees. Forces: Patriots (414 under Brig. Gen. Andrew Pickens and Col. Elijah Clarke); Cherokee (scattered villages). Casualties: Low; focused on destruction of settlements.