Fort Watson
Fort Watson (1780-1781) - A British Revolutionary War post established in 1780 by British Colonel John Watson in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Named for Colonel John Watson, builder of the fort. Captured by Patriot forces in 1781.
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Fort Watson History
Established in 1780 by British Colonel John Watson as one of a string of British forts between Charleston and Fort Ninety-Six. The fort was located atop a 50' Indian mound at Wright's Bluff. The British garrisoned the fort with 80 regulars and 40 loyalists.
The fort came under siege by Patriot forces commanded by General Francis Marion (the "Swamp Fox") and Lt. Colonel Henry Lee ("Light Horse Harry"). The Patriot siege began on 15 Apr 1781 and by 23 Apr 1871 they had constructed a 30' Maham tower that could fire directly into the interior of the fort. Sharpshooters in the tower forced the British to surrender the fort.
Current Status
Marker only on Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Clarendon County, South Carolina
USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Database Entry: 1235928
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Location: Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Maps & Images Lat: 33.53896 Long: -80.43783 |
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 724
Links:
- North American Forts - Fort Watson
- Wikipedia - Siege of Fort Watson
- FWS - Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Visited: No
Fort Watson Picture Gallery
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