PINEVILLE, S.C. – A memorial service honoring Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, known to history as the “Swamp Fox,” is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Marion’s Tomb in Pineville.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a South Carolina Air National Guard flyover, organizers announced. The event is sponsored by Gen. Marion’s Brigade, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), with participation from the 169th Fighter Wing (SCANG) and the Washington Light Infantry. The National Anthem will be performed by Miriah Wright.
Following the memorial, attendees are invited to register for wreath presentations and a barbecue gathering. Organizers say proceeds from the barbecue, priced at $10, will support local preservation efforts, with donations accepted at Belle Isle Presbyterian Church. Those interested in registering for wreaths or learning more can contact [email protected].
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Who was Francis Marion?
Francis Marion was a Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War and one of South Carolina’s most celebrated military figures. He earned the nickname “The Swamp Fox” for his use of unconventional guerrilla warfare tactics, leading small, mobile units through the Lowcountry’s swamps and forests to harass British forces.
Marion’s strategy of surprise attacks, rapid movement and deep knowledge of the local terrain proved highly effective, helping weaken British control in South Carolina during some of the war’s most critical moments. His leadership played a significant role in keeping the patriot cause alive in the Southern colonies.
Significance to Berkeley County
Francis Marion has deep historical ties to Berkeley County, where he lived, trained troops and conducted military operations during the war. Much of the landscape he once used for cover and maneuvering lies within present-day Berkeley County. Pineville, where Marion is buried, remains a focal point for honoring his legacy.
Local historians say Marion’s actions helped shape the region’s identity and left a lasting mark on South Carolina’s role in securing American independence. Annual memorial events like this one aim to preserve that history and educate new generations about the county’s Revolutionary War roots.
Organizers encourage residents and visitors to attend the Feb. 27 service to pay tribute to Marion’s legacy and reflect on Berkeley County’s place in the nation’s founding history.
