MARION — For the first time since Feb. 27 was declared Gen. Francis Marion Memorial Day in South Carolina, Marion city and county, as well as Francis Marion University, paid tribute to the Revolutionary War hero.
The county and the university are named for the famed general who led local militia units against the British in skirmishes that earned him the nickname the “Swamp Fox.” Marion’s victories surprised the British and helped to turn the tide of the war for independence.
In Marion, about 250 third-graders from Marion County schools and some 100 adults gathered Friday morning at the base of the Francis Marion monument on the Marion Courthouse Square to remember the general. Four children were chosen from the audience to be representative of those people who lived in present-day Marion County, then Georgetown District, who would have fought with Marion as Patriots or against Marion as Loyalists or Tories.
A newly-formed reenacting group, depicting the Col. Hugh Giles Regiment, Britton’s Neck Militia, was on hand in Marion to act as color guard, provide sentries and help member of the the Blue Savannah-Swamp Fox Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to lay the wreath at the monument in tribute to Marion.
The city and county governments, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Library, Historic Marion Revitalization Association and the Marion County Archives and History Center organized Friday’s event.
At the university, the James Rogers Library was the site of lectures, discussions and an exhibit of materials depicting the general’s life.
Librarians at both the Marion County Library and Rogers Library have prepared bibliographies of their offerings on Francis Marion to help visitors in their search for information on the farmer-legislator. Other information on display in the Rogers Library demonstrates the work of the Francis Marion Trail Commission, housed at the University, and highlights the historic trails of the general.
In 2007, the S.C. General Assembly designated the anniversary of Marion’s death date as a day to honor the state and national hero.
In celebration, there will be demonstrations of period crafts, including the firing of cannon and muskets at Camp Bob Cooper from from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will also be demonstrations of basket weaving; cartridge making, soap making and marching.
Camp Bob Cooper is at 8001 MW Rickenbaker Road, Summerton. There is free parking and free admission. Call George and Carol Summers at (803) 478-2645 or (919) 730-3533 or visit http://www.francismarioncountry.com for details.
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