Battle of Hanging Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Hanging Rock |
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| Part of American Revolutionary War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Loyalist militia |
 Patriot militia |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| John Carden |
Thomas Sumter |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 1,400 provincial troops and militia | 800 militia | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 200 killed and wounded | 12 killed 41 wounded |
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The Battle of Hanging Rock happened on August 6, 1780, during the American Revolutionary War. It was a fight between American Patriots (who wanted independence) and the British (who wanted to stay under British rule).
This battle was part of a plan by General Thomas Sumter to attack British army camps in the back-country of South Carolina. These camps were set up after the British took control of Charleston in May 1780.
Did you know? Future U.S. President Andrew Jackson was only 13 years old when he and his brother Robert took part in this battle!
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
During 1779 and early 1780, the British were doing very well in the southern part of the American Revolutionary War. They had taken over Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. They also defeated most of the American Continental Army troops in South Carolina.
With control of South Carolina and Georgia, the British set up small army posts. These posts helped them find and recruit Loyalists (Americans who supported the British). They also helped them stop Patriots (Americans who wanted independence).
One of these British posts was at Hanging Rock. This spot is in Lancaster County today, near Heath Springs. It was the northernmost British post and was well protected.
Who Was There?
The British forces at Hanging Rock had more than 1,400 soldiers. These included the Prince of Wales American Volunteer Regiment, which was a Loyalist unit. There were also local Loyalist militia and some cavalry soldiers called dragoons. Major John Carden was in charge of these British troops.
The American forces were led by Brigadier General Thomas Sumter. His troops were made up of different militia groups from nearby counties. These included soldiers from Fairfield, Chester, York, and Lancaster counties in South Carolina. There were also cavalry from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
Before the Main Fight
A few days before, on August 1, 1780, General Sumter had tried to attack another British post at Rocky Mount. This post was west of Hanging Rock. As part of that attack, Sumter sent Major William Davie to create a distraction at Hanging Rock.
Major Davie attacked a fortified house at Hanging Rock. He managed to capture 60 horses and many weapons. He also caused some harm to the British soldiers there. However, this attack did not stop the British from sending more troops from Hanging Rock to help their friends at Rocky Mount.
After his attack on Rocky Mount failed, General Sumter decided to attack the Hanging Rock post. He knew it would be weaker because some of its soldiers had left to help at Rocky Mount.
The Battle Begins
General Sumter planned to attack the British camp in three groups of mounted soldiers. Early in the morning, the first attack began. The American soldiers quickly pushed back some of the British forces.
Captain McCulloch's company of the British Legion was also forced to retreat by Sumter's skilled riflemen. The Prince of Wales Regiment also faced heavy gunfire and lost many soldiers.
However, part of the Prince of Wales Regiment cleverly hid in some woods. They then surprised the American attack with crossfire. This allowed the British to form a strong defensive square in the middle of the camp. They also used a small cannon to protect themselves.
A Turning Point
During the intense fighting, Major Carden, the British commander, became overwhelmed. He gave up his command to one of his younger officers. This was a big moment for the Americans.
At one point, Captain Rousselet of the British Legion led a charge. This forced many of Sumter's men to fall back. The Americans also started running low on ammunition. This made it hard for Sumter to completely defeat the British.
The battle was very long and fierce. It lasted for three hours without stopping. Many soldiers on both sides became very tired from the heat and thirst.
What Happened After
When the battle ended, the British had lost 192 soldiers. They were either killed or wounded. The Americans had fewer losses, with 12 soldiers killed and 41 wounded.
The place where the Battle of Hanging Rock happened is now a historic site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources helps manage and protect this important location.
