Visitors visitors to South Carolina’s Pee Dee region will have a chance this week to walk in the footsteps of one of the state’s most celebrated heroes: Francis Marion, a.k.a. The Swamp Fox.

“Victory Along the Santee” is a two-day celebration of General Francis Marion that uses the general’s military triumph against the British as a jumping off point for exploring life in 18th-century South Carolina. 

Who was Francis Marion? If you’re from South Carolina, it’s likely that you grew up hearing heroic stories about the Revolutionary War general who distinguished himself in leading guerrilla warfare against the British. Perhaps his greatest triumph was the Battle of Black Mingo where he and his troops surprised the Loyalists and drove them out of the Pee Dee, forcing them to retreat into a swamp. The S.C. Legislature even designated Feb. 27 as Gen. Francis Marion Memorial Day.

This year’s Victory Along the Santee living history weekend marks the event’s 11th anniversary. Things kick off on Friday, Feb. 24, at 6:15 p.m. with a lantern walk titled Spy on History that will include historical vignettes.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the grounds will be filled with costumed interpreters, historians, and Revolutionary War buffs for a full day of programming meant to “bring Backcountry Days to life.” There will be presentations on 18th century blacksmithing, candle making, quilts, quill writing, pottery and more. Period weapons and weaponry will be on display as well, with interpreters explaining black powder gun making and reenactments of marching and cannon drills, and the firing of cannon and muskets. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Victory Along the Santee event will be held at Camp Bob Cooper in Summerton. Admission is free and there is free parking available.

For directions and more information click here.