Siege of Charleston
The Siege of Charleston was a significant military engagement during the American Revolutionary War, taking place in 1780. Initiated by British Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton's landing on March 12, the siege aimed to secure British control over the southern colonies. Though the British faced delays due to severe winter storms damaging their ships, this ultimately allowed American General Benjamin Lincoln time to prepare the city’s defenses, which had been largely neglected. Despite early American resistance, the British forces effectively surrounded Charleston and launched a naval bombardment that cut off essential routes. By May 12, the situation for the Americans became untenable, leading to Lincoln's surrender. The siege resulted in heavy casualties, with British losses around 150 killed and 189 wounded, while American losses included 100 killed and 150 wounded, alongside more than 5,000 soldiers being captured. The fall of Charleston marked a pivotal moment, as it led to the British gaining control over much of South Carolina, further solidifying their foothold in the southern parts of the continent.
Siege of Charleston
Type of action: Ground and sea battle in the American Revolution
Date: April 1-May 12, 1780
Location: Charleston, North Carolina
Combatants: 5,530 Americans vs. 10,000 British
Principal commanders: American, General Benjamin Lincoln (1733–1810); British, Lieutenant General Henry Clinton (1738–1795)
Result: The Siege of Charleston proved to be the greatest British victory and the worst American disaster of the war
Looking to expand British victories in the south, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton landed in Charleston on March 12, 1780. Fortunately for the Americans, severe winter storms caused heavy damage to British ships and delayed their advancement on Charleston by two weeks. This gave General Benjamin Lincoln time to reinforce the city’s sadly neglected fortifications.
Despite several successful early skirmishes, the Americans were no match for the British. By the end of March, the city was nearly surrounded. The citizens of Charleston refused to listen to Lincoln’s recommendation to evacuate the city. The British navy bombarded the city from the harbor, cutting off all routes in and out. By May 12, Lincoln had little choice but to finally surrender. British losses totaled 150 killed and 189 wounded. American losses totaled 100 killed and 150 wounded. More than 5,000 American soldiers were taken prisoner.
Significance
Within a few months of the fall of Charleston, practically all of South Carolina was in British hands, successfully securing the southern part of the continent for England.
Resources
Dupuy, Trevor N. People and Events of the American Revolution. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1974.
Ingraham, Leonard W. An Album of the American Revolution. New York: Franklin-Watts, 1971.
Leckie, Robert. George Washington’s War: The Saga of the American Revolution. New York: HarperCollins, 1992.
Stokesburry, James L. A Short History of the American Revolution. New York: William Morrow, 1991.