Battle Description

The Siege of Charleston was one of the worst American defeats of the Revolutionary War. Beginning on March 29, 1780, British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton landed south of Charleston and began a methodical siege of the city, which was defended by General Benjamin Lincoln and over 5,000 Patriot troops.

The British constructed siege lines and gradually tightened their grip, cutting off escape routes and bombarding the city. Despite calls to evacuate, Lincoln chose to hold the city, hoping for reinforcements that never arrived. On May 12, after weeks of bombardment and encirclement, Lincoln surrendered the city and his entire force.

Outcome

• Outcome: British victory; largest American surrender of the war.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~89 killed, ~140 wounded, ~5,000 captured
  • British: ~76 killed, ~189 wounded

Significance on the Revolution

The fall of Charleston gave the British control of the South’s most important port and shattered Patriot resistance in South Carolina. It marked the beginning of a brutal phase of the war in the Southern Theater, characterized by guerrilla warfare, civil strife, and shifting allegiances. The defeat also led to the capture of many experienced Continental officers and emboldened British efforts to rally Loyalist support in the region. However, the harsh occupation would soon spark fierce resistance from Patriot partisans like Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter.