Battle of Purrysburg Site

Located on the banks of the Savannah River in modern-day Hardeeville, the site of Purrysburg serves as a poignant reminder of the South Carolina frontier’s collapse during the British invasion of 1779. Once a bustling Swiss Huguenot settlement, this strategic river landing became the high-water mark for Patriot defense in the southern parishes.

The Strategic Hub of the South

In the early months of 1779, this site reached its peak military significance as the primary headquarters for General Benjamin Lincoln and the Continental Army of the South. From this vantage point, Patriot forces monitored British movements in Savannah and coordinated logistics for the entire region. The landing provided a vital crossing point, making it the anchor for the American defensive line along the river.

The Engagement of April 29, 1779

The tranquility of the settlement ended when a formidable British force, including the 71st Highlanders and light infantry, launched a sophisticated surprise attack against the Patriot works.

• The Combat: South Carolina regulars under Colonel Alexander McIntosh were forced into a desperate defense as the disciplined Highlanders utilized aggressive shock tactics to dislodge them from their positions.
• The Withdrawal: Realizing the site was about to be outflanked by General Prevost’s larger army, McIntosh ordered a tactical withdrawal, effectively surrendering the river frontier.

Site Legacy and Preservation

The loss of Purrysburg was a turning point that forced Patriot forces to abandon the Savannah River and retreat toward the Charleston defenses. Today, the site is interpreted through historical markers at Millstone Landing, which detail the town’s disappearance and its role as a sanctuary for Maroon communities—formerly enslaved people who sought independence in the surrounding impenetrable swamps.