COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust (SCBPT) has released the first volume of the Francis Marion Papers, a collection of more than 600 historical documents that provide a firsthand account of the Revolutionary War general known as the “Swamp Fox.”
General Francis Marion earned his nickname due to his effective guerrilla warfare tactics against British forces. Until now, much of his legacy has been shaped by secondhand accounts and folklore. These newly released documents include letters written to and from Marion, offering deeper insights into his character, leadership, and military strategies.
The Francis Marion Papers project was conceived in 2005. Over the years, historians, archivists, and researchers compiled and annotated materials found in locations such as Harvard University and the University of Michigan. The project was made possible through collaboration between SCBPT and the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250), ensuring the documents are freely accessible online.
Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250, emphasized the importance of these documents beyond academia. “The Francis Marion Papers collection serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, historians, and the public, offering rare insights into the life, strategies, and legacy of one of South Carolina’s most revered Revolutionary War heroes.”
The first volume of the Francis Marion Papers, which includes illustrations and battle maps, was released on February 27, the anniversary of General Marion’s death. The collection is available digitally, offering a valuable resource for those interested in the history of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in it. The collection is available here.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
