Defeat in the Center
Acrid smoke made it hard to breathe or see. The roar of gunfire and the death-cries of comrades made it hard to hear or think. The 1st Maryland Brigade and the NC militia battled the British 23rd and 33rd Regiments and light infantry in the center of the field.
Realizing that infantry alone could not overcome the Americans, Cornwallis ordered Tarleton’s cavalry to charge. With Britain’s mounted troops joining the fray, the Continentals were overrun.
Some pulled back along the Great Wagon Road, and made a brief stand there.
Others retreated into nearby swamps, seeking safety from cavalry pursuit.
Marker can be reached from Flat Rock Road (South Carolina Route 58).
Courtesy hmdb.org
