Battle Description

The Battle of Waxhaws—also known as the Waxhaws Massacre—occurred during the British campaign to consolidate control over South Carolina following the fall of Charleston. On May 29, 1780, Colonel Abraham Buford’s Virginia regiment was retreating northward when it was overtaken by British cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton.

Despite Buford’s offer to surrender, Tarleton’s forces launched a sudden and brutal attack. The Patriots were quickly overwhelmed, and many were killed after laying down their arms. Reports of wounded Americans being bayoneted or sabered while trying to surrender spread rapidly, fueling outrage.

Outcome

• Outcome: British victory; American force destroyed.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~113 killed, ~150 wounded or captured
  • British: ~5 killed, ~14 wounded

Significance on the Revolution

The Waxhaws incident became infamous for its perceived brutality and gave rise to the rallying cry “Tarleton’s Quarter,” meaning no quarter would be given. The event galvanized Patriot resistance in the South and contributed to the rise of partisan leaders like Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion. Though a tactical British success, the massacre damaged British credibility and helped turn public opinion against them in the Southern backcountry.