2nd Spartan Regiment

The 2nd Spartan Regiment, also referred to as the Fair Forest Regiment, was a Whig militia unit from South Carolina that served during the American Revolutionary War. The regiment operated in South Carolina's western backcountry and fought Loyalist forces in the South Carolina backcountry. It participated in multiple engagements in the Southern theater, including the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens.

Formation

Sources differ on the regiment's formation date. Documentation compiled by historian J.D. Lewis on Carolana traces the unit's origin to January or February 1777, stating that the original Spartan Regiment (formed in 1775) split into the 1st and 2nd Spartan Regiments following frontier campaigns against the Cherokee. Alternatively, historical exhibits and research from the Museum of the American Revolution identify the unit's creation as occurring in 1778, with active field deployment starting in 1779.

The regiment drew its recruits primarily from settlements near the Fair Forest Creek area in the Ninety-Six District, an area encompassing parts of modern-day Union and Spartanburg counties. Colonel Thomas Brandon commanded the regiment.

Engagements

Brandon's Camp (1780)

Colonel Brandon established a base near Fair Forest Creek to recruit militiamen and secure supplies. Carolana dates the engagement to June 8, 1780, while noting that alternate historical narratives place it on June 10 or July 12, 1780. During the engagement, a Loyalist detachment under Captain William Cunningham launched a surprise attack that routed Brandon's forces.

Battle of Kings Mountain (October 7, 1780)

Detachments of the regiment fought alongside frontier militia forces to surround and defeat the Loyalist army commanded by Major Patrick Ferguson.

Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781)

At Cowpens, approximately 250 men from the regiment served in the American second line under Andrew Pickens.

Later service

Elements of the regiment participated in the Siege of Ninety-Six and the Battle of Eutaw Springs. The regiment served through 1783.

See also

  • Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War
  • List of South Carolina militia units in the American Revolution

Further reading

  • Gilbert, Oscar E. and Catherine R. (2015). True for the Cause of Liberty: The Second Spartan Regiment in the American Revolution. Casemate Publishers. ISBN 9781612003276.