aug 16, 1780 - Skirmish at Gum Swamp Creek near Parker's Old Field

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Precursor to the main Battle of Camden, Lord Cornwallis ordered his army to march north at 10 p.m.on Aug 15th, to gain surprise against Major General Gates Patriot army marching on Camden The two armies advance elements, Lt Col Banastre Tarleton's British Legion cavalry and Col Armand's Continental Cavalry surprised each other around 2:30 am, Aug 16th on the Great Waxhaw Road just north of the Gum Swamp Creek about a mile south of Sander's Creek at Parker's Old Field that was Gen Gates intended base camp for the attack on Camden. After the initial cavalry engagement, Continental troop fired on Tarleton's Legion from both sides causing him to withdraw across Gum Swam Creek. LImited actions took place through the night prior to the Battle of Camden with both sides probing each other lines to determine position and strength in anticipation of the coming battle..

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