Battle of Camden
History of Battle of Camden
On August 16, 1780, more than 2000 British and Loyalist troops under Lt. General Lord Cornwallis met and defeated over 4,000 American troops commanded by the "Hero of Saratoga," General Horatio Gates. The Battle of Camden was the worst Patriot defeat of the American Revolution.
The aftermath of the battle saw the southern Continental Army in total disarray while the British Army and Loyalists controlled the colony. Camden became a fortified garrison for the British and the future for the patriot cause in the South was bleak.
Battle of Camden Site Podcast Tour
Visit the Battlefield
Today, Historic Camden owns the 476-acre core battlefield located off US Hwy 521 about 5 miles north of Camden on Flat Rock Road (S-28-58). Known as the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve, the site offers 3 miles of walking trails with interpretive signage. Guided tour tickets available at Historic Camden's Cunningham House, 222 Broad Street.
Hours:
Daylight Hours (free to the public)
Location:
1698 Flat Rock Road, Camden
A monument on the battle site marks the spot where Revolutionary War Hero, Johannes Baron de Kalb, was mortally wounded.
Battle of Camden Site Podcast Tour
This audio tour was developed to help visitors follow in the footsteps of the American and British armies who clashed here that hot summer night. Listen to battle stories and contemporaneous commentary as you explore the wayfinding signs at the Battlefield.
- Introduction
- Stop 1 - Kiosk
- Stop 2 - The Great Wagon Road
- Stop 3 - American Army
- Stop 4 - British Army
- Stop 5 - Night Battle
- Stop 6 - Opening Attack
- Stop 7 - Closing the Gap
- Stop 8 - Gates' Flight
- Stop 9 - Defeat in the Center
- Stop 10 - Charge and Countercharge
- Stop 11 - Driven From the Field
- Stop 12 - Pursuit
- Stop 13 - Epilogue
Note: Longleaf pine reforestation and recreational spaces are in development. Metal detecting and camping are prohibited.