Carolina Snaps
The Battle of Camden
Season 4 Episode 10 | 55sVideo has Closed Captions
The Battle of Camden unfolded almost 250 years ago, marking a dark chapter in US history.
In Camden, South Carolina, the Battle of Camden unfolded almost 250 years ago, marking a dark chapter in US history. General Horatio Gates, despite his troops' dysentery, decided to engage the British army on August 16th, 1780. With depleted ranks and a shortage of bayonets, the patriots faced a crushing defeat.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Carolina Snaps is a local public television program presented by SCETV
Support for this program is provided by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
Carolina Snaps
The Battle of Camden
Season 4 Episode 10 | 55sVideo has Closed Captions
In Camden, South Carolina, the Battle of Camden unfolded almost 250 years ago, marking a dark chapter in US history. General Horatio Gates, despite his troops' dysentery, decided to engage the British army on August 16th, 1780. With depleted ranks and a shortage of bayonets, the patriots faced a crushing defeat.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Where to Watch Carolina Snaps
Carolina Snaps is available to stream on pbs.org and the PBS app.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipOne of the most notorious battles to occur on U.S. soil took place in Camden, South Carolina almost 250 years ago.
The Battle of Camden took place on August 16th, 1780.
The night before the battle, the Patriots under command of General Horatio Gates suffered dysentery.
Despite their illness, Gates decided the soldiers would engage with the British army the following morning on August 16th.
Although the Continental Army initially had the advantage, they had decreased by 25% because only 3000 patriots were healthy enough to take the field after their ailments the night before.
The issue that eventually brought the Continental Army to their quick demise was the lack of bayonets.
Due to the lack of arsenal and manpower the Patriots suffered a harsh defeat failing in making any progress against the British.
Support for PBS provided by:
Carolina Snaps is a local public television program presented by SCETV
Support for this program is provided by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.