The Marion Park Project, a committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, was authorized May 8, 2008, to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion.

"The Marion Park Project and Palmetto Conservation Foundation have worked tirelessly on this project," said John F. McCabe, head of the Marion Park Project. "We are incredibly excited that Congress has seen fit to authorize a statue in honor of Francis Marion, a true American hero."

"As a South Carolinian, I am proud we have honored Brigadier General Francis Marion in this manner," said Rep. Joe Wilson. "Today, there is a park in Washington, D.C. that bears his name. That park will benefit from having a statue of the 'Swamp Fox' erected on its premises - a symbol that will remind all who visit it of General Marion's tremendous legacy and contribution to the birth of this nation. I am grateful to have worked with Senator Graham on this important project."

"Francis Marion was an American patriot," said Senator Lindsey Graham. "He embodies the spirit and dedication to freedom that is shared by all South Carolinians. Thanks to Representative Joe Wilson's strong support in the House and the determined spirit of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, the Swamp Fox statue can be placed in the Washington park bearing his name."

The act was signed into law by President George Bush on May 8, 2008. The next step will be to finalize authorization for the desired site in Marion Park through the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, D.C.

All donations should be made to The Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Marion Park Project, 1314 Lincoln Street, Suite 305, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. Along with the Palmetto Conservation Foundation's website, www.palmettoconservation. org, a new website is pending at www.swampfoxmemorial.org.

Brigadier General Marion commanded the Williamsburg Militia Revolutionary force in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. He was instrumental in delaying the advance of British forces by leading his troops in disrupting supply lines. His tactics, which were unheard of in rules of warfare at the time, included lightning raids on British convoys, after which he and his forces would retreat into the swamps to avoid capture. This tactic earned him the name "Swamp Fox."