Battle of Fishing Creek

For the battle of the American Civil War sometimes known as the Battle of Fishing Creek, see Battle of Mill Springs.
Battle of Fishing Creek
Part of the American Revolutionary War

Portrait of Banastre Tarleton by Sir Joshua Reynolds
DateAugust 18, 1780
Location
Chester County,
north of present-day Great Falls, South Carolina
34°38′6″N 80°54′21″W / 34.63500°N 80.90583°W / 34.63500; -80.90583
Result British victory
Belligerents
United States

 Great Britain

Commanders and leaders
United States Thomas Sumter Kingdom of Great Britain Banastre Tarleton
Strength
100 regulars
700 militia
2 guns		 160 regulars and militia
Casualties and losses
150+ killed
300 captured[1]		 16 killed and wounded

The Battle of Fishing Creek, also called the Battle of Catawba Ford,[2] was an American Revolutionary War battle fought on August 18, 1780, between American and British forces including the 71st Foot. It was fought near the junction of Fishing Creek and the Catawba River in South Carolina. British forces under Banastre Tarleton surprised the militia company of Thomas Sumter, killing a significant number, taking about 300 captives, and very nearly capturing Sumter, who some say was asleep at the time of the attack.

  1. ^ Pancake, p. 107
  2. ^ Heitman, p. 390