Abraham Buford facts for kids

Abraham Buford (born July 21, 1747, died June 30, 1833) was an important officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is most famous for leading American soldiers in the Battle of Waxhaws. He was also a member of a special group called the Society of the Cincinnati in Virginia.

Early Life and Military Career

Abraham Buford was born in Culpeper County, Virginia. When the American Revolutionary War began in 1775, he quickly formed a group of volunteer soldiers called minutemen. He was a skilled leader and by May 1778, he had become a colonel.

In September 1778, Colonel Buford took command of the 11th Virginia Regiment. Later, in April 1780, his unit was changed to the 3rd Virginia Regiment. He was then sent south to help the city of Charleston, South Carolina, which was being attacked by British forces.

Buford's men were positioned near the Santee River. They could not help during a smaller fight known as the Battle of Lenud's Ferry.

The Battle of Waxhaws

After Charleston surrendered to the British on May 12, 1780, Buford and his soldiers had to retreat. On May 29, they were caught by a British and American Loyalist force. This force was led by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton.

Tarleton demanded that Buford surrender, but Buford refused. Tarleton then ordered his soldiers to attack. The fighting was very fierce, and many American soldiers were hurt. When the Americans tried to surrender, a misunderstanding happened. Tarleton's horse was hit by a musket ball and fell. This made the Loyalist cavalry think the Americans had shot their commander while trying to surrender.

Because of this, the British soldiers attacked very fiercely, even as the Americans tried to give up. Many American soldiers were killed. This event became known as the Waxhaw Massacre. It became a powerful story used to encourage American resistance in the southern states. From then on, "Tarleton's Quarter" became a battle cry for American soldiers, meaning they would not show mercy to the enemy.

Later Life and Legacy

Colonel Buford managed to escape on horseback with some of his remaining men. He was not blamed for what happened at Waxhaws. He continued to serve as an officer in the Continental Army through important events, including the Siege of Yorktown.

After the war, Buford settled in Kentucky. He received thousands of acres of land for his military service. He helped start the horse racing industry in Kentucky. He lived at his home, called "Richland," in Scott County, Kentucky, until he passed away on June 30, 1833.

On Flag Day, June 14, 2006, the regimental flags that were taken from Colonel Buford at the Waxhaw Massacre were sold. Descendants of Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton sold them at Sotheby's in New York for over $5,000,000 (US).

Abraham Buford was one of six sons of John and Judith Early Beaufort (Buford). All six brothers served bravely as officers during the American Revolution. Later, their family had other famous military leaders, including Union Major Generals John Buford (who was important at the Battle of Gettysburg) and Napoleon Bonaparte Buford, and Confederate General Abraham Buford.