During the American Revolution, the Upcountry of South Carolina played a significant role in the final outcome of the war. Late on July 14, 1780, a small detachment of Loyalists under Captain Dunlap left their post at Fort Prince to attack an encampment of Patriots that had lately arrived on the north side of the Pacolet River near Earle’s Ford. Arriving in the early morning hours of July 15, Captain Dunlap and his men splashed across the lightly guarded ford and attacked the surprised Patriots camped nearest the river. Soon afterward, the remainder of the camp formed for battle, and realizing he was badly outnumbered, Captain Dunlap hastily retreated.