Polk County’s Revolutionary War connection The Battle of Kings Mountain

Written by Kathy Hagler, 2 nd Vice Regent

James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR

The Battle of Kings Mountain was a Revolutionary War battle that took place at Kings Mountain, South Carolina, on Oct. 7, 1780. It is nine miles south of present-day Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The Patriot militia defeated the Loyalist militia commanded by British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71 st Foot. This battle has been described as ‘the war’s largest all-American fight’.

Ferguson had arrived in North Carolina in early September to recruit troops for the Loyalist militia and to protect the flank of Lord Cornwallis’ main force. Ferguson spread the work that if the Patriot militias didn’t surrender, they would face the consequences. Instead of surrendering, Patriot militia leaders Benjamin Cleveland, James Johnson, William Campbell, John Sevier, Joseph McDowell and Isaac Shelby rallied their men to attack Ferguson and his forces.

Ferguson learned of the attack and decided to retreat back to the safety of Lord Cornwallis’ army, but he wasn’t fast enough. The Patriots caught up with the Loyalists at Kings Mountain near the border with South Carolina. Ferguson was completely surprised, and the Patriots attacked and surrounded the Loyalists, inflicting severe casualties.

Ferguson was fatally shot while trying to break the Patriot line, and his men surrendered. Some Patriots gave no quarter until their officers regained control over the men. It is said they were seeking revenge for the alleged killings on May 29, 1780, by Col. Banastre Tarleton’s militiamen at the Battle of Waxhaws.

Even though they won, the Patriots had to retreat to keep ahead of Cornwallis’ possible advance. They later executed nine Loyalists after a short trial.

This battle was pivotal in the Southern campaign. The victory of the American Patriot militia over the Loyalists came after a string of Patriot defeats at the hands of Cornwallis. It also raised the Patriots morale. Ferguson’s death and the destruction of the Loyalist militia forced Cornwallis to abandon his plan to invade

North Carolina and retreat into South Carolina.

This is the second in a series of articles that will reveal a Revolutionary War tie to Polk County. Stay tuned for more.

Submitted by Kathy Hagler

Are you a baker? Or a candy maker? Then here’s what you need to know about entering your goodies in the Polk County Fair:

All items must be enclosed in a re-closable plastic food bag and should be displayed on a “hard” disposable plate;

All items must be entered on Wednesday, Aug. 30, between 7:30-10:00 a.m.;

No custard or cream products can be accepted;

No foods requiring refrigeration can be accepted; Products may be prepared from package mixes.

DE QUEEN – Organizers of this year’s 86th annual Sevier County Fair and Rodeo are gearing up to present a host of activities beginning Aug. 12 and continuing through Aug. 19.

The fair begins on Saturday, Aug. 12, with the poultry show, a beauty pageant and the talent show that evening.

So go through those recipes for your favorite cakes, cookies, breads, candies and pies. Be sure to read the Polk County Fair catalog for a complete list of rules and items for the Baked Goods Department. See you at the fair

Monday, Aug. 14, will mark the first opening day of the exhibits education building and the commercial booth building to the public. These two buildings will be open to the public from 4-9 p.m. nightly through Saturday, Aug. 19.

The always popular livestock shows are scheduled throughout the week.

The kiddie carnival opens on Thursday, Aug. 17, beginning at 6 p.m. The carnival continues Friday and Saturday nights as well, opening at 6 p.m. both evenings.

The Sevier County Premium Sale will be held on Friday, Aug. 18, beginning at 10 a.m. A dinner for premium buyers will follow the sale.

That evening marks the first of the two-night De Queen Auto Group Ram Rodeo. The rodeo is scheduled for 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights with mutton bustin’ to start at 7 p.m. both evenings. Sign up for mutton bustin’ will take place at 6 p.m.

For more information grab a fair catalog and make sure to check out the Sevier County Fair page on Facebook.