Sign: 2700 Block of Landrum Rd (Hwy 14),
~1.5 mi east of I-26 Exit 1, Landrum 29356
Sign GPS: 35.190191, -82.143031 (near Pacolet River bridge)

Directions from 9 to 10 (~30 miles)

• Turn left (west) onto Hwy 11 through Chesnee
• Continue on Hwy 11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy)
• Pass Strawberry Hill USA (lunch, ice cream & seasonal produce)
• Turn right onto Rainbow Lake Rd at Fingerville Baptist Church
• At the end of Rainbow Lake Rd, turn left onto Meilvin Hil Rd
• Turn right onto N. Pacolet Rd just past Cross Roads Baptist Church
• In about 4 miles, turn left onto Hwy 14 (Landrum Rd)
• Sign #10 is on the right just before the Pacolet River bridge

Google Maps has been provided as a resource.

[ Google Driving Directions ]

The Battle of Earle’s Ford

This battle took place between Patriot and Loyalist militia at the ford of the Pacolet River near O.P. Earle’s when Captain Dunlap and a small group surprised the Patriots camped near the river.

Visit the granite marker erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution near the location of the battle. The marker is located on SC Highway 14, just off Interstate 26 in Landrum at the Four Columns house.

Highway 14 East of I-26 Exit 1, Landrum

Col. Charles McDowell

Col. Charles McDowell was in command of the Patriot camp attacked at Earle's Ford on July 14, 1780. Though often overlooked, Col. McDowell played a very important role in the American Revolution during the summer and fall of 1780. His efforts to organize and lead men in the South Carolina backcountry during this time went a long way in securing America's independence from Great Britain.

Charles McDowell's family migrated from Virginia to settle in the mountains of western North Carolina and McDowell commanded a regiment of militia from that region during the Revolution. After the capture of Charleston by the British in May 1780, Col. McDowell mustered his regiment to oppose the British in South Carolina. This brought him and his men to the banks of the North Pacolet River where he was attacked by a Loyalist force under Capt. James Dunlap at Earle's Ford. Though McDowell's men were able to rally and beat off Capt. Dunlap, some blamed McDowell for not posting guards near the ford which allowed Capt. Dunlap to surprise the camp. Despite any shortcomings McDowell may have had as a field commander, he soon found himself organizing men from the disparate militia units finding their way into the South Carolina backcountry.

After Earle's Ford, McDowell moved his camp to Cherokee Ford on the Broad River in modern-day Cherokee County. He gathered intelligence of the movements of British Maj. Patrick Ferguson who was organizing Loyalist militia in South Carolina. Fearing that he would soon expand his efforts to North Carolina if unchecked, Col. McDowell reached out to friends back home – Col. Isaac Shelby and Col. John Sevier – to raise men and join him in South Carolina. This they and other men did over time, including Col. Elijah Clarke and Col. James Williams. From his camp at Cherokee Ford, Col. McDowell organized these various units, sending them out to attack weak positions and gather intelligence on British and Loyalist activities in the area. Many battles in the region during this time were a result of this, including Peach Trees, Wofford's Iron Works, Fort Thicketty, and Musgrove's Mill. These and other actions from McDowell's camp had a lasting impact on checking British advances in the region.

Col. McDowell's success was remarkable since his rank did not entitle him to command any unit other than his own. It is a testament to his leadership and force of will that other leaders joined him and, in some cases, deferred to him.

McDowell broke camp at Cherokee Ford and returned home after the British victory at Camden in August 1780. He and many of his friends returned to South Carolina, however, to attack Maj. Ferguson at Kings Mountain in October. The results of that battle were felt throughout the British Empire.