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An historical marker is located in Mt. Carmel at the intersection of SC Highway 81 and Road 91. The ruins of Fort Charlotte today lie some fifty feet beneath the water of Lake Thurmond some 6.6 miles to the southwest. Fort Charlotte was the site of the first overt act of war during the struggle for American independence in South Carolina. It was built between 1765 and 1767 to protect European settlers near Long Canes. On July 12, 1775, it was seized in the name of the Council of Safety, helping mark South Carolina`s entry into the Revolutionary War. The last fort erected in South Carolina during the colonial period was built 1765-1766 on the Savannah River about forty-five miles above Augusta, opposite the mouth of the Broad River, in the lower part of what is now Abbeville County [actually McCormick County]. It was constructed of stone at a cost of £1,000 sterling and was called Fort Charlotte in honor of Her Majesty the Queen. ["South Carolina as a Royal Province 1719-1775," William Roy Smith, 1970, Books for Libraries Press][with minor edits] The actual site of the 50' x 40' two-bastioned fort is now under J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The ruins of this fort became a popular dueling spot after that sport was outlawed in Georgia. The following report was made by Capt. John Caldwell to Major James Mayson and forwarded by him to the Council of Safety in Charlestown: Fort Charlotte 17th July 1775 Sir I have Sent you Inclosed, a Return of the Artillery Ammunition and Stores of Fort Charlotte - I have with Captain Whitefield's Assistance examined the State of the Garrison's Officer's House and Barracks Stores &c - I find the Walls both top and Sides in absolute need of being new painted. The Magazine Requires to be new plaistered and the Oven is quite useless - As there is no platformes, and but few very Indifferent Carriages, the Great Guns are by that means rendered unserviceable, the Officers house is barely Tenantable, and upon the mode upon which it is Constructed, is incapable of Repair - The Barracks and Store houses want new sills, in Consequence of that a full Repair - From the best Information I can get Mr. Allen Cameron, has absolutely declined excepting the Commission Confered upon him by this Country, as I am Told from good authority that he Received his Commission in a Letter from Majr Williamson that he did not think it worth his while to Return an answer. I should be much Obliged to you to Write to the Council of Safety on this Occasion. I am Sr, Yr Verry Hul Set Jno Caldwell First Endorsement: Capt John Caldwell, 17th July 1775. Answered the 18th - to be laid before the Honble The Council of Safety Second Endorsement: Capt Caldwell to _______, 17 July 1775 - containing state of Fort Charlotte, Rec'd 25th. |
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SC 3rd Regiment (Rangers) Detachment led by Major James Mayson 1st Company of Rangers - Capt. John Caldwell with 28 men 2nd Company of Rangers - Capt. Moses Kirkland with 23 men |
Capt. George Whitefield - Loyalist militia consisting of Lt. St. Pierre and 15 men. - - - |
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© 2008 - J.D. Lewis - PO Box 1188 - Little River, SC 29566 - All Rights Reserved