(L-r) Nancy Matolak, Vice Regent, Miriam Lovett, and Maria Cole On Saturday, May 26, 2018, the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution (SCSSAR), and the General Francis Marion Chapter held a commemoration of the 238th Anniversary of Buford’s Massacre Battle of the Waxhaws.

Members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) attended this event including members of the Granby Chapter from Lexington, S.C.

Dr. Greg Ohanesian, Past President, SCSSAR, organized the event and gave the welcoming remarks and a brief history of the battle. On May 29, 1780, Continental soldiers from Virginia led by Col. Abraham Buford were defeated by loyalist forces under the command of Banastre Tarleton near the Waxhaw’s district on the border of North and South Carolina. When Col. Buford attempted to surrender, Tarleton’s forces continued their attack. While there is still controversy over the details of this battle, Lt. Col. Tarleton’s reputation as an aggressive butcher with no mercy in battle was sealed. The bodies of the Continental soldiers killed and wounded during this battle appeared mercilessly slashed by the swords or Tarleton’s Cavalry. The Battle of Waxhaws became a rallying cry for the Patriots and many, who had been neutral to the cause, joined the Continental Army, possibly changing the course of the war.

(L- r) Betty Carson and Deborah Blanpied
Some of the attendees wore Continental or Militia period dress. Members of many organizations, including the Granby Chapter of the NSDAR, presented wreaths at the commemoration. Compatriot Pat Kelly, President of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, presented Virginia Soil at the memorial. After the benediction was a musket salute followed by a bugler playing taps. The colors were retired at the end of the program and refreshments were served.

The Buford Massacre Facebook page (www.facebook.com/The -Buford- Massacre- 591624507567014/) posted many photos of the event.