Battle of Kings Mountain

The Battle of Kings Mountain, fought on October 7, 1780, was a decisive victory for the Patriots, who were able to defeat a larger and better-trained force of Loyalists and British soldiers. The battle, which took place in present-day South Carolina, was a major morale boost for the Patriots and dealt a significant blow to the British war effort in the southern colonies. The battle would prove one of the few that pitted Americans verus Americans.

The Patriot Plan

The battle began when a force of over 1,000 Patriots, led by Brigadier General Isaac Shelby and Colonel William Campbell, marched into the western Carolinas to challenge the control of the Loyalists and British soldiers in the area. The Patriots had learned of Loyalist Major General Patrick Ferguson's plans to recruit Loyalist soldiers in the area and decided to take action. The Patriots were made up mostly of Scotch-Irish and German settlers from the backcountry of the Carolinas, who were determined to defend their homes and families from the British and their Loyalist allies. They were known as the Overmountain men.

Surprise Attack!

The Patriots were able to surprise the Loyalists and British soldiers, who were camped at the base of Kings Mountain, a small hill near the border of North and South Carolina. The Patriots, who were skilled in frontier warfare, were able to quickly surround the enemy and attack from all sides. The battle was fierce and bloody, but the Patriots were able to hold their ground and ultimately defeat the enemy. The Patriots suffered significant losses, with approximately 28 killed and 68 wounded, while the Loyalists suffered even greater casualties, with approximately 157 killed and 163 taken prisoner. Ferguson himself was killed in the battle.

Effect of the Battle

The Battle of Kings Mountain was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War in the southern colonies. It dealt a severe blow to the morale of the Loyalists, and many deserted or refused to fight after the defeat. The Patriots, on the other hand, gained valuable momentum and went on to win several more battles in the region.