Ferguson's Cairn
The grave of Patrick Ferguson
can still be seen at Kings
Mountain National Battlefield
in South Caorlina.
The grave of Patrick Ferguson
can still be seen at Kings
Mountain National Battlefield
in South Caorlina.
The Battle of Kings Mountain
Monuments and interpretive
panels can be found along
the walking trails the lead
through the battlefield.
Monuments and interpretive
panels can be found along
the walking trails the lead
through the battlefield.
The Battle of Kings Mountain - Blacksburg, South Carolina
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Battle of Kings Mountain, South Carolina
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Battle of Kings Mountain, South Carolina
| Kings Mountain National Battlefield An impressive monument stands on the crest of the mountain, scene of the battle's final moments. (National Park Service Photo) |
Victory of the Overmountain Men
As the British moved to solidify their hold on
South Carolina during the final years of the
American Revolution, they made a critical
mistake.
Major Patrick Ferguson, the commander of a
large force of Tories (Americans still loyal to
the King), was sent to defeat Patriot militia in
the Western Carolinas. He sent a threat to
the so-called "Overmountain men," frontier
settlers living over the mountains in
Tennessee, telling them to stay out of the
fight or face "fire and sword."
The strong-willed frontiersmen took these as
"fighting words" and instead of staying home,
gathered their forces and set out to take care
of Ferguson before he could take care of
them.
Realizing the trouble he was in, the major
took up a position on top of Kings Mountain,
a natural citadel in the South Carolina back
country just south of the North Carolina line.
Believing his position to be impregnable,
Ferguson waited for the Americans to come
to him. It was a fatal mistake.
The 900 American frontiersmen cornered
Ferguson's 1,000 Tories on the crest of the
mountain. On October 9, 1780, they attacked
him from all sides in what became known as
the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Firing from the cover of rocks and trees, the
"Overmountain men" slowly pushed their way
up the sides of the mountain. Ferguson's
more organized force was helpless to stop
them. In less than two hours, the battle was
over.
Major Ferguson and 225 of his men were
killed. Another 163 were wounded and 716
captured.
South Carolina during the final years of the
American Revolution, they made a critical
mistake.
Major Patrick Ferguson, the commander of a
large force of Tories (Americans still loyal to
the King), was sent to defeat Patriot militia in
the Western Carolinas. He sent a threat to
the so-called "Overmountain men," frontier
settlers living over the mountains in
Tennessee, telling them to stay out of the
fight or face "fire and sword."
The strong-willed frontiersmen took these as
"fighting words" and instead of staying home,
gathered their forces and set out to take care
of Ferguson before he could take care of
them.
Realizing the trouble he was in, the major
took up a position on top of Kings Mountain,
a natural citadel in the South Carolina back
country just south of the North Carolina line.
Believing his position to be impregnable,
Ferguson waited for the Americans to come
to him. It was a fatal mistake.
The 900 American frontiersmen cornered
Ferguson's 1,000 Tories on the crest of the
mountain. On October 9, 1780, they attacked
him from all sides in what became known as
the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Firing from the cover of rocks and trees, the
"Overmountain men" slowly pushed their way
up the sides of the mountain. Ferguson's
more organized force was helpless to stop
them. In less than two hours, the battle was
over.
Major Ferguson and 225 of his men were
killed. Another 163 were wounded and 716
captured.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
The site is now preserved at Kings Mountain
National Military Park between Spartanburg,
South Carolina, and Charlotte, North
Carolina. To reach the park, exit Interstate 85
at North Carolina Exit 2 and follow the signs
back across the border to South Carolina.
The park features a museum, walking trails,
monuments and interpretive signs.
National Military Park between Spartanburg,
South Carolina, and Charlotte, North
Carolina. To reach the park, exit Interstate 85
at North Carolina Exit 2 and follow the signs
back across the border to South Carolina.
The park features a museum, walking trails,
monuments and interpretive signs.
"Fight Like Demons"
Before the battle, an American
officer urged his men to
"Shoot like Hell and Fight like
Demons!" They did, handing
the British force a devastating
defeat.
Before the battle, an American
officer urged his men to
"Shoot like Hell and Fight like
Demons!" They did, handing
the British force a devastating
defeat.
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| Copyright 2011 by Dale Cox All rights reserved. |