The Snow Campaign
The Snow Campaign was fought between Patriot forces and Loyalist Militia. It’s purpose was to end the Loyalist activities and gather support for the Patriot cause in the Backcountry. The campaign was a series of events during the American Revolutionary War in South Carolina. The campaign took place in late 1775, during the latter part of November and the month of December. Some accounts say it ended when Patriot forces returned to Charleston in January 1776. Patriot forces, led by Colonel Richard Richardson, disrupted Loyalist recruitment, captured key leaders, and increased support for the Patriot cause. The most significant engagement was the Battle of Great Cane Brake, which ended in a Patriot victory, giving them control of the Backcountry.
The Battle of Great Cane Brake
On December 21, Richardson sent Major Thomson in pursuit of the Loyalists and stolen supplies. Loyalists forces led by Patrick Cunningham took shelter in a dense area of bamboo, known as a “Brake of Canes.” The Patriots surrounded the camp and attacked on the morning of the 22nd, easily routing the Loyalists. Although Cunningham escaped the attack, the Patriots took around 130 prisoners and retook the supplies intended for the Cherokee.
During the battle, snow began to fall. The Patriots were ill prepared for the cold weather. The snow turned to heavy snow, slowing the march back to Charleston. Richardson’s army, many of whom suffered from frostbite, was dissolved, and most of the Patriots returned home. This heavy snow is why it is called the “Snow Campaign.” In the aftermath of Richardson’s conquest of the Backcountry and Thomson’s victory at Great Cane Break, the Patriots controlled the region.
The Snow Campaign was important to United States history because it resulted in the reduction of large-scale Loyalist activity in the South Carolina Backcountry, giving the South Carolina Provincial Congress control of the region.
Snow Campaign Chapter NSDAR 