Battle of Kettle Creek

The Battle of Kettle Creek on February 14, 1779 disrupted British plans to mobilize a large Loyalist force in the backcountry. Following the British capture of Savannah, they worked to recruit Loyalist militia throughout the interior. Colonel James Boyd had assembled about 700 Loyalists from South Carolina marching to Augusta to join the British army when Patriot militia commanders Andrew Pickens, John Dooly, and Elijah Clarke assembled about 340 men and moved quickly to intercept.

The Patriot force attacked from three sides. Boyd was mortally wounded in the opening minutes. Without his leadership, the Loyalist resistance collapsed. Boyd died of his wounds three days later. The defeat scattered the Loyalist force just as it was about to join the main British army at Augusta.

The victory had consequences beyond immediate casualties. It demonstrated that Patriot militia could operate effectively in the Georgia backcountry despite British occupation of the coast. It discouraged potential Loyalist recruits throughout the region. And it demonstrated that Andrew Pickens — who would go on to play a crucial role at Cowpens and throughout the Southern Campaign — was a commander of exceptional ability and determination.