On July 17, 1781, a bloody and ill-fated attack took place at Shubrick Plantation near Moncks Corner during the American Revolutionary War. Brigadier General Thomas Sumter, determined to push back British forces, ordered an attack on the British stronghold at the plantation.
British Retreat and American Pursuit
At this stage of the war, British control was weakening in interior South Carolina, and their forces began pulling back toward Charleston, establishing a major supply depot in Moncks Corner. As American forces closed in on the retreating Redcoats, the British dug in at Shubrick Plantation, preparing to defend their position across Quinby Creek.
Despite the challenging circumstances and the advice from American leaders like General Francis Marion and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee, who counseled against a direct assault, Sumter was determined to press on. He ordered his troops to attack immediately, despite the risks involved.
A Costly Decision
The attack resulted in heavy casualties. Dozens of American soldiers lost their lives in the assault, and the battle turned chaotic. Nearly every commander under Sumter’s command abandoned their positions, leaving him isolated and without support. Realizing the futility of continuing the attack, Sumter was forced to call off the operation.
Though the attack at Shubrick Plantation ultimately failed, it remains a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the American forces during the Revolutionary War, as well as the difficult decisions commanders like Sumter faced in their struggle for independence.
