Camden Battlefield facts for kids
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Camden Battlefield
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Camden Battlefield Marker
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5 miles north of Camden on U.S. Routes 521 and 601, near Camden, South Carolina |
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| Area | 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) |
| Built | 1780 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000707 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961 |
The Camden Battlefield is a very important historical place in South Carolina. It's where a big battle happened during the American Revolutionary War on August 16, 1780. In this battle, the British army, led by General Charles Cornwallis, won against the American forces. The American army was a mix of regular soldiers and local fighters, all led by General Horatio Gates.
This battlefield covers a large area, about 2,000 acres (around 8 square kilometers), located about 6 miles (10 km) north of Camden, South Carolina. Today, groups like the American Battlefield Trust have helped protect over 294 acres of this historic land. The Camden Battlefield was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1961 because of its importance to American history.
Contents
The Battle of Camden: A Key Moment in History
Before the Battle: Armies Gather in South Carolina
British General Charles Cornwallis and his army were staying in Camden during the summer of 1780. They were there to keep control of northern South Carolina and stop American forces coming from North Carolina. The American forces, who had recently gotten a new leader, General Horatio Gates, moved closer to a place called Rugeley's Mill. This was about 6 miles (10 km) north of Camden.
A Night March and a Surprise Meeting of Forces
On the night of August 15, both generals decided to try a surprise attack! They each ordered their armies to march in the dark to attack the other side. But instead of surprising each other at their camps, the two armies unexpectedly met in the middle of the night, around 2:00 AM on August 16. After a short, confused fight in the dark, both armies quickly got into their battle lines. They waited for daylight to continue the fight.
The Battle Begins: A Difficult Day for American Soldiers
As the sun came up, the main battle began. It was a very tough day for the American side. Many of the local fighters, called militia, were not as experienced as the regular soldiers. When the British started firing, many of these militia members quickly dropped their weapons and ran away.
The remaining American regular soldiers, known as the Continental forces, fought bravely. However, they were eventually surrounded by the British army. They had no choice but to surrender. Their brave commander, Baron Johann de Kalb, was badly hurt during the battle and later passed away from his injuries. This defeat was a very sad and difficult moment for the Americans in their fight for independence.
The Battlefield Today: Preserving a Historic Site
The historic area where this battle took place is mostly made up of grasslands and forests. It looks much like it did when the battle happened over 240 years ago. A road called Flat Rock Road runs through the middle of the battlefield. There's a special marker there to show where Baron de Kalb bravely fell. Preserving this land helps us remember the sacrifices made during the American Revolutionary War.
See also
