As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina played a pivotal role during the American Revolution. In 1778, after years of war mainly in the north, the British shifted their focus to the southern colonies. After the surrender of Charles Towne in May 1780, western South Carolina became a hotbed of activity as Patriot militia from throughout the south gathered in the region to oppose the British and their Loyalist allies. The result was a brutal civil war as neighbors, acquaintances and, sometimes, family met in battle. The area that became known as Spartanburg after the Revolution saw numerous battles during this time, including some of the most significant in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, and the Upcountry of South Carolina played a significant role in the war's final outcome.