Francis Marion on Snow's Island by Dale Watson
Historic Site

Snow's Island

Located along the Great Pee Dee River, Snow's Island served as Francis Marion's favorite refuge for his militia in the swamps of South Carolina

Tucked into the marshes where the Pee Dee River, Lynches Creek, and Clark’s Creek meet, Snow’s Island served as Francis Marion’s favorite refuge during the Revolutionary War. From late December 1780 through January 1781, Marion and his brigade used this secluded site to rest, train, and regroup. After that, it became a key supply depot. Though surrounded by swamp, the actual camp sat on dry, elevated ground, shielded by dense canebrakes and vines. Trees were felled and bridges destroyed to prevent British pursuit, making it one of the safest Patriot hideouts in South Carolina.

The surrounding Whig community—strongly supportive of independence—supplied Marion’s men with food, information, and protection. While local men fought alongside the brigade, women and enslaved laborers kept farms running and helped sustain the camp. One of Marion’s officers, Peter Horry, praised the locals as “generous stewards and faithful spies.” In return, Marion spared their farms from plunder. Loyalist farms, however, were not so fortunate—his men frequently raided them for provisions. Snow’s Island remains one of the most iconic sites linked to Marion’s partisan war, alongside places like Witherspoon’s Ferry, Port’s Ferry, and the Black Mingo Creek crossing.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Francis Marion on Snow's Island by Dale Watson

Gresham, SC 29546

Encampment site of Francis Marion's militia

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Lynches Creek Massacre by Dale Watson

Gresham, SC 29546

Contingent of Marion's men are massacred by Loyalists

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Francis Marion ordering the construction of defenses at Port's Ferry by Dale Watson

Johnsonville, SC 29555

Vital ferry crossing used by Marion and his men

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Equestrian statue of Francis Marion at Witherspoon's Ferry/Odell Venter Landing

Johnsonville, SC 29555

Marion's initial recruitment site of his militia

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Burch's Mill by Dale Watson

Pamplico, SC 29583

Marion ends partisan warfare in the PeeDee region

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