Fort Motte

Fort Motte in South Carolina, on the Congaree River at the former Mount Joseph Plantation, became a key British outpost during the American Revolution because it controlled a river crossing on the route between Camden and Charleston. The site had earlier importance through the Cherokee Path, Amelia Town, and the estate built there by Miles Brewton in 1767, later passing to Rebecca Brewton Motte. In 1781, General Francis Marion and Colonel Henry Lee besieged the fortified post, and the defenders surrendered after the mansion was set on fire. The loss helped disrupt British operations and contributed to Lord Rawdon’s retreat from Camden toward Charleston.

South Carolina · United States