Battle of Camden: How the American Army Collapsed in 45 Minutes

Hey!!! We would love to hear from you about any questions or topics or locations that you want to hear about. You are the reason that we do what we do!!! On August 16, 1780, the larger American army under General Horatio Gates faced Lord Charles Cornwallis near Camden, South Carolina—and collapsed in roughly forty-five minutes. In this narrative episode, we follow the British Southern Strategy, Gates’s march toward Camden, the unexpected nighttime collision between the two armies, the placement of inexperienced American militia against veteran British troops, Johann de Kalb’s final stand, and the aftermath of one of the most devastating American defeats of the Revolutionary War. According to the American Battlefield Trust, the Americans suffered an estimated 1,050 casualties, compared with 324 British casualties. This audio episode is adapted from the Our Living History battlefield video and was created so you can experience the complete story wherever you listen to podcasts. I'd like to take a moment to thank Albert Meyer for supporting Our Living History as a channel sponsor. Albert is an attorney serving clients throughout South Carolina in Criminal Defense, Immigration, and Personal Injury matters. If you'd like to learn more or get in touch with him, his contact information is below: Cell: (839) 292-6571 I appreciate his support of historical education, living history, museums, and the content we share here. Please join me in thanking him for helping make future projects possible. Support the show