Francis Marion in the Southern Campaign, American Revolution, Clarendon County, SC

The Swamp Fox & Francis Marion Advocates: Pushing back the frontier of ignorance.

Annual Francis Marion Symposium  -  This is  www.francismarionsymposium.com                            Home    

Earlier Francis Marion Symposium history:  2003-2007 - Click here

                        Agenda is a work-in-progress for the next Symposium - Oct 18-19, 2013

             Revolutionary War Enthusiasts!!  Call for Papers:
   
The prime topic area's focus is on Marion
, explanations of the engagements and the war in South Carolina.   Gen. Francis Marion

played a major role in the American Revolution.  Many of these engagements took place in the Clarendon County area.  

According to Professor Henry Lumpkin about a third of all battles were fought in SC and Marion had a hand in roughly a third of those.

   Topics relative to Marion & the Southern Campaign are considered.

   Plan & submit what you can present. Let us know your intentions ASAP.

   11th Francis Marion Symposium   October 18-19, 2013    

    Mail your proposals to:  Attn: Francis Marion Symposium c/o C. Hester,  PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102              

           Link for symposium_proposals_form to print and send before August 17, 2013

11th Francis Marion Symposium - Register soon for October 18-19, 2013

Come immerse yourself in Francis Marion's world and the significance of the Southern Campaign of the

American Revolution. Gen. Francis Marion played a major role in the American Revolution.  According

to Professor Henry Lumpkin about a third of all battles were fought in SC and Marion had a hand in

roughly a third of those.   Tentative agenda:

   *  Christine Swager introduces her new Southern Campaign book and ties the backcountry events together.

   *  Steven Smith presents Francis Marion in the Pee Dee.

   *  Ricky Roberts discusses Marion’s Bridges Campaign with McCottry Riflemen.

   *  Will Graves presents the "rest of the story" and the corrected version on James Williams.

   *  John Buchanan, author of "The Road To Guilford Courthouse," delivers "Modern Myths About the Revolutionary War"

   *  The Marquis de Lafayette takes the stage at the Evening in History Dinner Theater.

 

  Mail your registration to:  Attn: Francis Marion Symposium c/o C. Hester  PO Box 667, Manning, SC 29102
 Link for symposium_registration_form : print first page, mail your registration before Oct 1, 2013  (before Sept 17 for the EARLY Bird discounts)

 

    Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

 Remember you’re in the backcountry with the militia, so dress comfortably.

   Included: All Presentations Friday & Saturday, Friday: Reception Dinner,

   Saturday: Breakfast snacks, Lunch, Dinner Theater   Price $ 95 ($175 / couple) By 10/1/13

       Early Bird Discounts (before 9/17/13) $90 / person ($165 / couple) -   803-478-2645 or   gcsummers@ftc-i.net   

       If you prefer to charge to a credit card, we'll need to add $4 for individuals and $6 for couples.

 

     "Like" or "Share" on Facebook: Francis Marion Symposium, plan to come...

 "Clarendon County Tour" app will tell and show you these sites and markers; 

    download here or at Google Play apps Store.  This is your walking and talking tour of the historic markers & sites

   Or tour at home & pick the site to visit in Clarendon County, South Carolina

 

    Thank you committed and returning Sponsors for 2013:

 Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  Santee Electric Coop, Lake City

  Best one ever, DVDs are ready: October 12-13, 2012:  10th Francis Marion / Swamp Fox Symposium

 Francis Marion and the Southern Campaign

 Immersing yourself in Francis Marion's world and learning the significance of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.

   Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

      Many Thanks to our Sponsors & helpers, 2012:    

Bank of Clarendon, Manning; The Citizens Bank of Turbeville; The Clarendon Citizen, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  J & N Black, Manning; Edward Jones, R. Bradshaw, Manning; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; Santee Electric Coop, Lake City; SCS SAR; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning & the Ladies with the flowers.

 

        Francis Marion Symposium 2012  Stories in the local news:

In The Clarendon Citizen:  http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/marion-symposium-thrills-attendees

In The Item:  http://www.theitem.com/clarendon_sun/historians-to-discuss-francis-marion-and-the-southern-campaign/article_44473a1a-b790-589d-9f3b-1c845b261294.html

In The Clarendon Citizen (can't fix it, copy & paste): http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/south-carolina%E2%80%99s-own-bad-boy

     10th Francis Marion Symposium, Oct 12-13, 2012

          Agenda schedule:   

 Friday  Oct 12: 2 PM Sign-In / Welcome / Opening & Intros

 Friday 2:30 PM   Carl Borick: SC Patriot Prisoners who Fought with Marion in the Revolutionary South, 1780–1782: “Relieve Us of This Burthen”

 Friday 3:30 PM   Dick Watkins: Land Genealogy 102: “Mounts” on the Coastal Plain: Revolutionary War-era plantations along the Congaree and Santee Rivers: with plats & maps 1750’s

 Friday 6 PM Dinner: and David Reuwer:  Myth-busting – Fact & Fiction Southern Campaign

 Saturday, Oct 13: Opening & breakfast snacks

   9:30 AM  Doug MacIntyre:  The Battle of Sullivan’s Island: Thomson, Marion & Moultrie

  10:30  Christine Swager: "A Vicious Militia: This is Southern Hospitality?" “How the Revolutionary War was won in the backcountry."

 

   11:30    Bryan Brown & Ricky Roberts: “Every Insult and Indignity: the Life, Genius and Legacy of Major Patrick Ferguson”  Explore of the Rifle, the Man and the Legend with Ferguson rifle demo  

Lunch / Discussions including Ken Potocki -Francis Marion & South Carolina Currency; & Fort Watson model constructed & presented by expert Ricky Roberts 

  2 PM  Scott Aiken:   Marion’s Partisan Campaign – Irregular Warfare

  3 PM  Karen MacNutt "Eyes and Ears of the Army" intelligence gathering in occupied South Carolina, Marion and his Intelligence/Spy Network

  4 PM  Expert Panel with participants' questions:

            B Brown, C Swager, T Powers, J Stukes, C Baxley

  6:15 PM: An Evening in Revolutionary War History Dinner Theater:

    Mary Alice with her lyrical Harp, Joe Stukes as General Henry Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Ricky Roberts built a scale model of Fort Watson

  and the Maham tower for the Clarendon Museum,

  displayed in front of a Fort Watson mural, 10-19-12.

Tributes to Francis Marion on-line:

Karen MacNutt reminds us why we admire General Francis Marion at his tomb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdF1r1Y_j8s

Professor Joe Stukes recounts a brief Francis Marion history:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSw7ms2qUKw

Professor Joe Stukes recounts a horse for Francis Marion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qaYMQS-PBY&feature=related

Francis Marion Foils the British By Jefferson M. Gray 

http://www.historynet.com/up-from-the-swamp-francis-marion-foils-the-british.htm

Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, in miniature on our pin

 

         If you missed it, DVDs now available $15 or 2 for $25:

   9th Francis Marion/Swamp Fox Symposium was October 14-15, 2011

 

Gen. CC Pinckney appeared at the 2011 Symposium

Francis Marion Symposium 2011 presenters

Rev. War fifer Garland

 Presenters at the Francis Marion Symposium 2011.

  Thanks to our Sponsors & helpers, 2011:    

Bank of Clarendon, Manning; The Citizens Bank of Turbeville; The Clarendon Citizen, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree;  In Honor of Nell Black, Manning; Edward Jones, R. Bradshaw, Manning; Manning IGA, L. Kennedy; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning & the Ladies of the Azalea Garden Club

 

        Francis Marion Symposium 2011 Wrap up stories in the local news:

In The Clarendon Citizen: http://www.clarendoncitizen.com/article/symposium-takes-audience-through-revolutionary-journey

In The Item:  http://www.theitem.com/clarendon_sun/article_d327d832-2427-5cb4-9019-5d47a1ae3afd.html

 

Agenda:  Friday, October 14, 2011  
    2 PM  Registration / Sign-In / Welcome folders / Intros    
       J. Queen & D. Watkins: Land Genealogy: Colonial plats & maps of 1750’s along the Santee River

       B. Segars: Early Colonial/Rev. Era Churches 

       C. Swager: British Intentions Thwarted: How it all went wrong in SC
       Reception Dinner at the Manning Restaurant
 Saturday, October 15, 2011  
    9:15 AM  Opening, Drinks & Breakfast Snacks
        K. MacNutt: Francis Marion and Georgetown

        B. Rubin: Walking On Eggshells: The delicate matter of prisoner exchange

        T. Zeiss: Major Thomas Young remembers the Revolution and Fort Motte
        C. Baxley: Marion and the Battle of Parker's Ferry

        D. Neilan: Marion & the Establishment of Civil Government in SC and the Jacksonboro Assembly

        J. Piecuch: Marion at the Battle of Eutaw Springs 
           Displays/ Book Signings
      An Evening in Revolutionary War History Dinner Theater:

          Garland Hart & the Fife &  Our Historian Joe Stukes as Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
 

       Site: DuBose Campus / Central Carolina Tech College, 3315 Sumter Hwy. US 521, Manning, SC:  33.725°N, 80.2°W

    Sorry you missed it, order your DVD of the Symposium NOW, $15 or 2 for $25.

         9th Francis Marion Symposium   October 14-15, 2011

 

 

  On arriving in Manning, expect you'll stay near Exit 119 of I-95, at one of our many motels on SC 261/Paxville Hwy. (Motel list at the bottom.)

  Central Carolina Tech is only 3 miles north on I-95 at exit 122, next exit north. Follow US 301 right/East about 1/2 mile to Central Carolina Tech on the right.

  For Friday evening's dinner, follow 261 East/Paxville Hwy/Boyce St. into Manning.

 At the center of Manning is Courthouse & you'll pass in front,

 on far/east corner turn left/north on Brooks St/ US 301.

 Less than a mile on right is Prothro Chevy dealer, then 476 N. Brooks St is Manning Restaurant on right.


Francis Marion by Karen MacNutt 2010 You missed the best one yet:  October 15-16, 2010:  Francis Marion / Swamp Fox Symposium
    8th Francis Marion Symposium: "Explore General Marion and the Southern Campaign"
  Immerse yourself in Francis Marion's world and in the significance of the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.
 Approx. Times:  Friday, Oct. 15, 2010: 2 PM - 9 PM and Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010: 9 AM - 10 PM

 Site: FE DuBose Campus of  Central Carolina Technical College, I-95, Exit 122, ½ mi E on US 521, Manning, SC

.

Sponsors 2010:    Bank of Clarendon, Manning; J & N Black, Manning; R. Bradshaw of Manning; Citizens Bank,  Turbeville; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning; Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree; The Clarendon Citizen; In Honor of Rep. C. Harvin, Summerton; Manning IGA, L. Kennedy; Manning Restaurant; NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning.  

Val Green presented Indian history

 

2010 Presentations * Best Attendees & Presenters Yet.

   Agenda: Friday, October 15, 2010  

   J. Parker:   Parker's Guide to the Revolutionary War in South Carolina with certain Marion sites

   V. Green:   Famous Indian town called Cofitachequi
       Saturday, October 16, 2010
    P. Proctor:  A Revolutionary War Backcountry Woman During the War
   W. Turbeville:  Christopher Gadsden
    G. Poteat:  Marion and his Intelligence Network - CIA
 Photos by G. Summers of Swamp Fox Murals
     D. Neilan:   Marion letters & research
     N. Davies:  Much Ado About Potatoes
     K. MacNutt:  Marion Images, Including Family Resemblances

     An Evening in Rev. History Dinner Theater With Our Favorite Historian J. Stukes as Otho Williams                   

   Symposium attendees enjoy the presentations        Francis Marion researcher, Karen MacNutt prepares for her presentation

 

 

Payment:   Make check payable to Francis Marion Symposium (non-refundable after 10/6/12)

Mail to:  Francis Marion Symposium,  PO Box 667,  Manning, SC 29102

Questions call   803-478-2645  or E-mail  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Book your own room and advise motel you are attending symposium for the special rates. 
Transportation and accommodations:  responsibility of attendee.


           DVD Videos, including this last year's Symposium, are NOW available: 2 years for $25, 1 for $15

In Clarendon Citizen - October 19, 2010 - By Chuck Waters  Joe Stukes as Otho Williams 2010
Marion Symposium a hit again  
 
      The eighth Francis Marion Symposium was a great success - again. That is the thought of organizer George Summers of Manning. He and his wife, Carole, and a group of dedicated volunteers have been putting the symposium together for eight years and despite successful events in the past, this one ranks up there with the best. People from all across the country came to Clarendon County to listen, learn and even eat from the Revolutionary War era.
“All the presenters were exceptionally good this year,” said Summers. “It went better than we thought it would go. We had high expectations, but we exceeded those. It really came together this year.”

Chuck Waters/"The Clarendon Citizen" - Dr. Joseph Taylor Stukes is seen portraying
Continental Army Officer Otho Williams during the Francis Marion Symposium.
Stukes spoke about Williams’ career, life and his role in strengthening the south.

The Summers received an email from a Charles Baxley, lawyer in Camden, commending them on their work to make the symposium a great experience.  His email read, “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Francis Marion Symposium. The pace seemed to be more relaxed this year. I thought the atmosphere was terrific. Thanks for all your hard work for making it happen.”

The Summers received numerous emails from other people also expressing their enjoyment of the event. Many of them have asked about future events and things Patti Proctor of Charlotte, NC portraies a Backcountry woman they can do to prepare for the future.      


The symposium got started Friday afternoon with two presentations.
The first was from John Parker; author of Parker’s Guide to the Revolutionary War in S.C. and the second was from Val Green speaking about the ancient Indian town named Cofitachequi.
 The night ended with a meal and a meet and greet event at the Manning Restaurant.
“I think this guy (Baxley) probably mirrors everybody,” said Summers. “They really liked the dinner at Manning Restaurant Friday night. They had a great time of fellowship and the food was tremendous.”
According to Summers, the highlight was Dr. Joseph Taylor Stukes’ portrayal of Otho Williams Saturday evening.
Stukes entered the stage following the dinner and portrayed Williams about being a military leader alongside Marion in the South. Wright Turbeville delivers Chris Gadsden to the Symposium
“Every presenter had stuff they’d dug out in their research that I personally had never heard before,” Summers said.
The South had an important role in the American Revolution and Summers said that a focal point of the symposium.
Gaining a better and clearer perspective on this area and what role it played in the Revolution to aid in the formation of the country was something the Summers and each participant aimed for.
“I think the participants took away a greater appreciation for the part of South Carolina played in the American Revolution,” Summers said. “In particular, the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The action was in our area of South Carolina. I think that was fairly evident to everybody.”
With the success of the symposium and great feedback from attendees, Summers definitely wants to put together a ninth symposium. Even though they do not begin the planning process until the spring, the organizers have ideas and interested individuals possibly lined up. “I don’t think we’ll change it much,” Summer said. “We’ll have different presentations with different presenters; but the format will stay the same. After eight years, we have the schedule worked out. “We already have people talking about what they’re doing in their research and what they would like to present.”

 

  2009 Agenda Presentations: Happened not to be the Last Symposium, great fun & history info:Bob Swager, our best ever sales manager & Chris' agent
                    General Francis Marion statue awaits you. Friday, October 16, 2009
            Presentations:
                 C. Swager: Francis Marion: Stranger Than Fiction
                 W. Turbeville:  John Laurens: The Real Revolutionary
                   Reception/supper in the country with tour enroute
                  Saturday, October 17, 2009
                  G. Summers: Marion’s Bridges Campaign, Escalating Tactics
                  T. Powers: Marion and His Commanders
                 W. Graves: Rev. War Pensions Applications and Research
                Discussions/ Lunch
                  K. MacNutt: Gen. & Mrs. Marion, Families of the Revolution
                  D. Neilan: The Crisis of Command in the Southern Department & Marion correspondence
                  D. Sherrill: Dr. Benjamin Franklin's historical presentation: Politics of War
                    Displays/ Book Signings
                        Dinner: An Evening in Rev. History Dinner Theater With Joe Stukes as
Maj. John James of Marion’s Brigade

Sponsors 2009:  Bank of Clarendon, Manning; J & N Black, Manning; DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, Manning;  Don Ellis, CPA, Manning; Elliott's Landing, Pinewood; Farmers Telephone Coop, Kingstree; Representative Cathy Harvin, Summerton; The Manning Times; Manning IGA, Lamar Kennedy; Midway Presbyterian Church, New Zion;  NBSC, Manning; Prothro Chevrolet, Manning; G & C Summers, Manning; The Tearcoat Framery, Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, H. Smith; Turbeville Ruritan Club; and W & D Turbeville, Manning.

Great Experience:  October 10-11, 2008
6th Francis Marion Symposium "draws national crowd" 


       6th annual Francis Marion Symposium draws national crowd
 By Cathy Gilbert  of The Manning Times 10-16-08

      Visitors from as far away as Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida and Massachusetts descended upon Clarendon County last weekend to take part in the sixth annual Francis Marion Symposium, presented by the Swamp Fox Mural Trails Society. Held at F.E. DuBose, the Symposium drew more than 150 attendees who clamored to learn more about their hero, Francis Marion and his compatriots, including Horatio Gates, Nathaniel Greene, John Rutledge and Hezekiah Maham, all names very familiar to Revolutionary War buffs.
       Friday’s presentation was supposed to include a comparison of Marion’s guerilla war tactics to methods for modern day entrepreneurs. Although the presenter had to cancel at the last minute, Symposium organizer George Summers never missed a beat and made the presentation himself. “The most important thing any businessperson can do is to set goals and plan,” Summers said. “In these scary financial times, everyone needs a contingency plan.” Summers said that like Marion, we most know what our assets are. “With a very small band of warriors, Marion was able to keep 1,500 British soldiers tied up all the time. Marion figured out that it was most important to be able to move and feed his troops. If he could do that, he could employ his famous ‘hit and run’ tactics to great success.” Operating in business today is no different, according to Summers. “Marion succeeded by making friends with the populace; that is today’s customer service. He knew how to pick his targets. That is today’s successful market analysis. He knew he had to use unconventional tactics. That is today’s creative thinking,” Summers said. The Friday session concluded with a driving tour to Ft. Watson via the Old River Road in Summerton. A reception was held at Camp Woodie after the tour.
     Saturday morning kicked off with a humorous look at lawyers in Revolutionary War time, presented by Judge Wright Turbeville. Turbeville said that lawyers were not the most popular of professionals in Colonial days. “It was then as it is now … 99 percent of lawyers give the rest of us a bad name,” Turbeville joked. Colonial lawyers were often the sons of wealthy landowners, according to Turbeville. They would be sent back to London, to the “Inns of Court,” where they would live and study by reading the law. This nearly independent study didn’t work for all that were sent, as many of the young men lacked the self-discipline to study and stay away from the nearby pubs. “John Laurens wrote home for more money; Peter Manigault wrote home for more rum,” Turbeville noted.
     Other sessions on Saturday included those by Tom Powers on Horatio Gates and Justin Liles on Nathaniel Greene. Audience members were in for a true delight as noted S.C. Historian Dr. Joseph Stukes donned the persona of John Rutledge and talked about his victories and defeats during the Revolutionary War times. “I was called upon to mitigate the battles between Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter,” Stukes said, as Rutledge. “It didn’t work.”
      Before dinner commenced, Symposium attendees were joined with a large group who had toured Pineville, the home of Hezekiah Maham. The tour was led by Dr. Warner Montgomery, who spoke to the two groups about his own personal hero, Maham.
According to Montgomery, Maham was instrumental in the construction of the tower at Fort Watson here in Clarendon County. Montgomery said that tower led to “the final extinction of the British dominion in South Carolina.”
Dinner included a fascinating presentation by Dr. Karen MacNutt, a Boston attorney who assumed the role of Mary Esther Videau Marion, Francis’ wife. Along with Dr. Christine Swager, in the role of a visiting reporter, the two women discussed Francis’ personality and life at their home in Pine Bluff.
The Symposium would not have been made possible without the generosity of its many sponsors, according to Summers.
“We owe a special debt of gratitude to the individuals and businesses that made this event possible,” he said. “We gratefully recognize the Bank of Clarendon; Jim and Nell Black; Central Carolina Technical College; Edward Jones and Randy Bradshaw; Don Ellis, CPA; Farmers Telephone Coop of Kingstree; Representative Cathy Harvin; Manning IGA and Lamar Kennedy; The Manning Times, NBSC; Prothro Chevrolet Co., Inc. and Lannes Prothro; South Carolina Waterfowl Association and Camp Woodie of Pinewood; and Turbeville IGA Plus and Hugh Smith of Turbeville.”

 General Francis Marion Memorial Day
Enacted by the state of South Carolina May 2, 2007:  
The twenty-seventh day of February of each year is designated as
'General Francis Marion Memorial Day' in honor of this South Carolina Revolutionary War hero."

Francis Marion statue in miniature  The best one yet:  October 19-20, 2007: 5th Francis Marion Symposium, Manning, SC
 Fifth Annual Francis Marion Symposium  - 2007                                      by Chris Swager for SCAR
      The fifth Gen. Francis Marion Seminar, held on October 19 and 20, 2007 in Manning, SC, pulled off another all-star performance giving the public interesting scholarship and demonstrations. SCAR author, Scott Withrow, presented his paper on the myths and realities of Francis Marion in the 1761 Cherokee campaign which paper will be published in SCAR. The Friday program ended with information about the marsh tacky horses and included a trip to Silver Lakes Plantation to see them work.
Eric Nason, dressed in period clothing and taking on the persona of Col. Peter Horry, presented an engaging presentation on Gen. Francis Marion’s most trusted lieutenant. In addition to being a major player in the Southern Campaigns from the beginning of the war through the end, Horry became a general of the SC militia after the war, a member of the SC General Assembly, and namesake of one of South Carolina’s 46 counties. Interestingly at the end of the war, Horry was in a political controversy with his peer, Col. Hesikiah Maham. Eric later demonstrated the difference between 18th Century rifles and muskets, the British and American musket drill and some of the usage of edged weapons of the period.
Daniel J. Tortora, a Ph.D. student at Duke University, presented an excellent paper on religion in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War wherein he looked at the experiences of Anglicans, Baptists and Presbyterians. He chronicled early Patriot efforts to secure the support of Anglican clergymen and backcountry Baptists and Presbyterians. He covered the Drayton-Hart-Tennent political mission to the South Carolina backcountry that attempted to sway those residents to join in the rebellion. He traced the constitutional movement to disestablish the Anglican Church and showed how Patriots incorporated religious freedom into the 1778 state constitution. In addition, he described the wartime struggles and divisions of clergy and congregations and detailed the deprivations of South Carolina churches. Religious life was deeply shaken. At war's end, he argued, the Episcopal Church struggled, the Presbyterians slowly rebuilt and the Baptist church united and thrived under the leadership of Revs. Richard Furman and Edmund Botsford as many new churches were constituted.
      Storyteller and author Christine Swager entertained the attendees by telling about Gen. Marion’s life after the September 1781 Battle of Eutaw Springs.
Retired history professor, Joseph Taylor Stukes, gave a dramatic interpretation of SC General Assembly member, Francis Marion, and USC - Sumter history professor, Thomas Powers, replied as US Congressman Thomas Sumter. Both focused on their subject’s post-war political careers. Dr. Powers did an hour in costume as Thomas Sumter and he was magnificent! Dr. Stukes performed for an hour as Francis Marion in his old age wondering how history would record the events of the war - spellbinding. Joe and Tom did an impromptu presentation for the dinner. Marion was on his porch in 1794 when Thomas Sumter, on his way to Charleston, stopped by. The conversation was sharp with Marion prodding Sumter, giving him an opportunity to talk about the war, their mutual disappointment and disgust at the failed 1779 allied Siege of Savannah, the noted personages Sumter had met in Washington, his increasing distrust of the Federalists, and his vision for South Carolina when the canal will allow traffic by water from Charlotte to Charleston.
George Summers announced that the Harvin Foundation will donate $5,000.00 for a living history event at Bob Cooper Park in February 2008 to sponsor every third grader in Clarendon County, SC for a day visiting with colonial era gunsmiths, weavers, tanners, candlemakers, etc. This program is patterned after an Over Mountain Victory Trail event at the Mineral Museum in NC where they bus children in from as far as Charlotte for the day. Chris and Robert Swager, Carole and George Summers, Dickie and Lulie Felder, and some Jack's Creek militia reenactors attended this event in 2007 and decided they needed to provide that opportunity for their local Clarendon County, SC kids. So lots of efforts to 'push back the frontiers of ignorance' succeeded in executing this project.
   You missed a good one, which exceeded our expections.  Honorable Judge Turbeville reveals Lawyers and the Revolutionium
        “Explore the Rev. War Southern Campaign, Marion & his Contemporaries”
      Immerse yourself in Francis Marion's world and learn from his contemporaries:   Horatio Gates, Nathanael Greene, John Rutledge (In person), Hezekiah Maham, as well as the modern applications of Marion; the Significance of Francis Marion; Lawyers and the Revolution; the South Carolina Militia and An Evening in History With Mary Esther Videau, Life at Pond Bluff with the General.
 Approx. Times:  Friday Oct 10, 2008: 2 PM-10 PM and Saturday Oct 11, 2008: 9 AM-10 PM 
6th Francis Marion/Swamp Fox Symposium
Oct 10-11, 2008   “Exploring the Southern Campaign with Marion and His Contemporaries” 

DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, I-95, Exit 122, ½ mi E US 521, Manning, SC
    
 Program/Agenda
Friday, October 10, 2008
    Presentations:
       C. Swager: Significance of Marion in the eventual defeat of CornwallisJohn Rutledge on stage at the Francis Marion Symposium
       G. Summers: An Entrepreneur: Francis Marion lessons in a modern economy
       Depart for Tour Old River Road, Half Way Swamp, Richardson Cemetery
       Reception with Indian Artifacts exhibition and Hors d’oeuvres:  Reception, with a tour of sites and murals enroute.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
      W Turbeville:  Lawyers and the Revolution
      T. Powers presents Horatio Gates
     J. Liles presents Nathanael Greene
     Discussions and Lunch
       S. Bell: The S.C. Militia: From Victory to Defeat & Defeat to Victory
       J. Stukes portrays John Rutledge
       W. Montgomery:  Col. Hezekiah Maham as Patriot, Frontier Soldier, Engineer.
      Displays/ Book Signings
       Dinner and An Evening in Revolutionary War History with Mary Esther Videau (Mrs. General Marion) at Pond Bluff by K. MacNutt and Visitor by C. Swager
 Remember you’re in the backcountry with the militia, so be comfortable. (Casual or Rev. History clothes if you like)Mary Esther and friend on stage at symposium
  Inclusions: All Presentations Friday & Saturday
  - Friday – Reception, including heavy Hors D’oeuvres

  - Saturday - Breakfast snacks  - Saturday – Lunch - Saturday - Dinner Theater
   Presentations @ FE DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, I-95, Exit 122, ½ mi E on US 521, Manning
  
Questions: George: 803-478-2645, cell: 803-460-9626  or   gcsummers@ftc-i.net
Mail registration to:  C. Hester: 6th Francis Marion Symposium      
                                    PO Box 667        Manning, SC 29102

Sponsors 2008:  Bank of Clarendon of Manning; Jim and Nell Black of Manning, DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College of Manning; Edward Jones, Randy Bradshaw of Manning; Don Ellis, CPA of Manning; FTC – Farmers Telephone Coop of Kingstree; Representative Cathy Harvin of Summerton, Manning IGA, Lamar Kennedy of Manning; The Manning Times, NBSC of Manning, Prothro Chevrolet Co., Inc, Lannes Prothro of Manning; South Carolina Waterfowl Association, Camp Woodie  of Pinewood; George & Carole Summers of Manning; Turbeville IGA Plus, Hugh Smith of Turbeville.
  Site: FE DuBose Campus of  Central Carolina Technical College, I-95, Exit 122, ½ mi E on US 521, Manning, SC.
  All events included: $95/person, $165/ Couple, Early Bird Fee by 9/21/08: $85 / person ($155 / couple).



       6th annual Francis Marion Symposium draws national crowd
 By Cathy Gilbert  of The Manning Times 10-16-08

      Visitors from as far away as Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida and Massachusetts descended upon Clarendon County last weekend to take part in the sixth annual Francis Marion Symposium, presented by the Swamp Fox Mural Trails Society. Held at F.E. DuBose, the Symposium drew more than 150 attendees who clamored to learn more about their hero, Francis Marion and his compatriots, including Horatio Gates, Nathaniel Greene, John Rutledge and Hezekiah Maham, all names very familiar to Revolutionary War buffs.
       Friday’s presentation was supposed to include a comparison of Marion’s guerilla war tactics to methods for modern day entrepreneurs. Although the presenter had to cancel at the last minute, Symposium organizer George Summers never missed a beat and made the presentation himself. “The most important thing any businessperson can do is to set goals and plan,” Summers said. “In these scary financial times, everyone needs a contingency plan.” Summers said that like Marion, we most know what our assets are. “With a very small band of warriors, Marion was able to keep 1,500 British soldiers tied up all the time. Marion figured out that it was most important to be able to move and feed his troops. If he could do that, he could employ his famous ‘hit and run’ tactics to great success.” Operating in business today is no different, according to Summers. “Marion succeeded by making friends with the populace; that is today’s customer service. He knew how to pick his targets. That is today’s successful market analysis. He knew he had to use unconventional tactics. That is today’s creative thinking,” Summers said. The Friday session concluded with a driving tour to Ft. Watson via the Old River Road in Summerton. A reception was held at Camp Woodie after the tour.
     Saturday morning kicked off with a humorous look at lawyers in Revolutionary War time, presented by Judge Wright Turbeville. Turbeville said that lawyers were not the most popular of professionals in Colonial days. “It was then as it is now … 99 percent of lawyers give the rest of us a bad name,” Turbeville joked. Colonial lawyers were often the sons of wealthy landowners, according to Turbeville. They would be sent back to London, to the “Inns of Court,” where they would live and study by reading the law. This nearly independent study didn’t work for all that were sent, as many of the young men lacked the self-discipline to study and stay away from the nearby pubs. “John Laurens wrote home for more money; Peter Manigault wrote home for more rum,” Turbeville noted.
     Other sessions on Saturday included those by Tom Powers on Horatio Gates and Justin Liles on Nathaniel Greene. Audience members were in for a true delight as noted S.C. Historian Dr. Joseph Stukes donned the persona of John Rutledge and talked about his victories and defeats during the Revolutionary War times. “I was called upon to mitigate the battles between Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter,” Stukes said, as Rutledge. “It didn’t work.”
      Before dinner commenced, Symposium attendees were joined with a large group who had toured Pineville, the home of Hezekiah Maham. The tour was led by Dr. Warner Montgomery, who spoke to the two groups about his own personal hero, Maham.
According to Montgomery, Maham was instrumental in the construction of the tower at Fort Watson here in Clarendon County. Montgomery said that tower led to “the final extinction of the British dominion in South Carolina.”
Dinner included a fascinating presentation by Dr. Karen MacNutt, a Boston attorney who assumed the role of Mary Esther Videau Marion, Francis’ wife. Along with Dr. Christine Swager, in the role of a visiting reporter, the two women discussed Francis’ personality and life at their home in Pine Bluff.
The Symposium would not have been made possible without the generosity of its many sponsors, according to Summers.
“We owe a special debt of gratitude to the individuals and businesses that made this event possible,” he said. “We gratefully recognize the Bank of Clarendon; Jim and Nell Black; Central Carolina Technical College; Edward Jones and Randy Bradshaw; Don Ellis, CPA; Farmers Telephone Coop of Kingstree; Representative Cathy Harvin; Manning IGA and Lamar Kennedy; The Manning Times, NBSC; Prothro Chevrolet Co., Inc. and Lannes Prothro; South Carolina Waterfowl Association and Camp Woodie of Pinewood; and Turbeville IGA Plus and Hugh Smith of Turbeville.”

 General Francis Marion Memorial Day
Enacted by the state of South Carolina May 2, 2007:  
The twenty-seventh day of February of each year is designated as
'General Francis Marion Memorial Day' in honor of this South Carolina Revolutionary War hero."

  Site Location:   Central Carolina Technical College, FE DuBose Campus, Manning, SC.
 This is on US 521, 1 mile east of I-95, exit 122. Manning, SC 29102
See Francis Marion related items for sale.
           Participate with your attendance!!

                                             Francis Marion Symposium

                                             Mr. C. Hester, Treasurer

                                             PO Box 667 

                                             Manning, SC 29102

                            Questions:  George Summers 803-478-2645; 803-460-9626 or  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Latest Info & Details at www.francismarionsymposium.com
Drum and Fifes at 3rd Francis Marion Symposium

Drum and fifes (Ray Moran, Garland Hart and Dan Culpepper) at Francis Marion Symposium 2005 were a big hit.    Photo provided by The Item.  

Videos Available: (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, & NOW 2011)

   By Sandi Chaney in The Item

         Karen MacNutt came from Massachusetts for the second year in a row to learn about Francis Marion and area history.  “I have been a big Revolutionary War fan, in particular a fan of the Southern campaign, and in particular a fan of Francis Marion for more years than I can remember,” she said, “probably from the time that Walt Disney created the “Swamp Fox” television productions with Leslie Nielsen.   But I quickly realized the man (Marion) was much more complex, much more interesting than he's ever been portrayed in fiction.   I've read a lot of biographies, and many people who were in the army during the Revolutionary War were pretty shallow.  But some are real patriots and have quite a depth.  I think Marion felt the cause passionately.”

      MacNutt believes there are some valuable life lessons to be learned from studying Marion's life and times – lessons that transcend the man himself.  “They had nothing, really,” she said.  “Everybody was surrendering, but he didn't do that.  He kept going, and by the force of his own character, he kept things together.  It's a lesson we can all learn, that if something is worth having, it requires you to fight hard for it.  The fact that you don't have everything you need or you don't have the best of everything just means you have to be smarter than the next guy.  And if you have that force of character, that force of will, the commitment, and a belief in something bigger than yourself, you will have the advantage.”
        “People have to have a feeling for their history or they lose it,” said MacNutt.  “They lose a sense of who they are and why they're here.”


M
otel Accommodations near Exits on I-95 in South Carolina
Motels at exit 119 are closest to Symposium site CCTC at exit 122.

American's Best Inn - Exit 108 Summerton
803-485-2635   
Baymont Inn  – Exit 119 Manning (Pet-friendly)
 803-473-5334 / 877-229-6668 
Days Inn of Manning – Exit 119 Manning (Pet-friendly)
 803-473-4021  
Days Inn of Summerton – Exit 108
 803-485-2865 / 800-329-7466  
Hampton Inn - Exit 119
803-505-4800  
Happy Pause Bed & Breakfast - Exit 119
     803-478-8084    www.happypause.com   
Knights Inn  - Exit 115

803-460-0389

Quality Inn - Exit 119 Manning
803-473-7550  
Ramada Inn  – Exit 119 Manning (Pet-friendly)
 803-473-5135 / 800-2RAMADA 
Randolph's Landing - Exit 108
     803-478-2152 / 800-BIG-CATS
Sunset Motel  - Exit 115
803-473-2561 fax 803-473-3822 
Super 8 Motel - Exit 119 Manning
     803-473-4646  
Villas at Wyboo – Exit 108
 803-478-5752 / 888-284-5527

Book your own room!   Questions:  Francis Marion Symposium
        PO Box 667         Manning, SC 29102
803-478-2645 Or  E-mail   gcsummers@ftc-i.net 

Restaurants in Manning, Summerton & Turbeville, SC:
Arby's, Manning
Becky's/Eddie's Bar-B-Que, Turbeville
Bojangles, Manning
Burger Chick, Manning
Calla Lily, Manning
Chat n’Chew, Turbeville
China Buffet, Manning
Corner Diner & Grill, Manning
D & H Bar-B-Que, Manning
Georgio's Pizza & Greek
Goat Island, Lake Marion
Hardee's, Manning
Huddle House, Manning  J & E's, Davis Station
Johnson's Fish Shop, Manning
Manning Restaurant, Manning
Mariachi's, Manning
McCabe's Bar-B-Que, Manning
McDonald's, Manning
Pizza Hut, Manning
Randolph's / Fayz, Lake Marion
Sandwiche Castle, Manning
Shoney's, Manning
Sonic, Manning
Sub Station II, Manning
Subway, Manning
Summerton Diner, Summerton
TA Travel Center, Manning
Waffle House, Manning
Wendy's, Manning
Yucatan, Manning
Zaxby's, Manning
Names provided for your info, not endorsements.

Early Francis Marion Symposium History 2003-2007
Visit the Swamp Fox Murals Trail.
©2002

Gen. Francis Marion played a major role in the American Revolution.
Many of these engagements took place in the Clarendon County area. According to Professor Henry Lumpkin
about a third of all battles were fought in S.C. and Marion had a hand in roughly a third of those. 
 During this symposium we want to explore the man, the tactics and the effect he had on the overall war effort.
Payment:
Make check payable to Francis Marion Symposium (non-refundable after 10/6/12)

Mail to:  Francis Marion Symposium
PO Box 667
Manning, SC 29102

Questions call   803-478-2645  or E-mail  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Book your own room and advise motel you are attending symposium for the special rates. 
Transportation and accommodations:  responsibility of attendee.

 

Rev. Encampment & Living History February 25-26, 2011  Best one ever.
"Celebrate Gen. Francis Marion Memorial Day" in Summerton, SC.
Symposium and Encampment featured in SCIWay, South Carolina Information Highway.
Coverage of the Francis Marion Symposium appears in "Smoke & Fire News",
July 2003 & 2005:  www.smoke-fire.com
and "Carologue", Fall 2003, Publication of SC Historical Society www.schistory.org

 Francis Marion Tour through Stars and Stripes Events from Iowa  http://www.starsandstripesevents.com
"American Revolution event Tour:  “The Swamp Fox: Francis Marion, Hero of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina.”
 Nov 4th (8 PM) through Nov 7th (5 PM), 2009. The real Francis Marion is even more exciting than the character
Walt Disney shared with us many years ago; or that Mel Gibson sought to portray in the “Patriot.”"
Francis Marion in the Mural of Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp in Manning, SC ©2001
Marion designated "Swamp Fox" by Tarleton at Ox Swamp
Swamp Fox Mural Trail - Manning, SC
Payment:  Check made payable to Francis Marion Symposium 
(non-refundable after 10/6/12)   Mail to:
Francis Marion Symposium
PO Box 667
Manning, SC 29102
Questions:   803-478-2645; 803-460-9626
or E-mail:  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Book your own room and advise motel you are attending symposium for the special rates. 
Transportation and accommodations:  Responsibility of attendee.

 
Mural of Battle of Tearcoat Swamp in Turbeville, SC ©2002
Battle of Tearcoat Swamp at night - Swamp Fox Mural Trail - Turbeville, SC
 
Siege of Fort Watson is newest mural in Summerton on Swamp Fox Murals Trail. ©2002
Siege of Fort Watson is mural in Summerton on Swamp Fox Murals Trail.
Symposium Hosted by Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society
Questions:  803-478-2645; 803-460-9626 or E-mail:  gcsummers@ftc-i.net

Check out:  South Carolina's Front Door Website:
SCIway - The South Carolina Information Highway

The Swamp Fox Murals Trail Society is a 501(c)(3), non-profit.

Visit Revolutionary War History with Francis Marion
or Clarendon Murals or Swamp Fox Murals Trail
Site maintained by Francis Marion Symposium Webmaster