News Summary
Hilton Head Island played a significant yet often overlooked role during the Revolutionary War with localized conflicts as patriot families clashed with loyalist neighbors. The island experienced raids, devastation, and notable incidents reflecting the internal strife of that period. A new play titled “Da’Gullah American Revolution Experience” aims to highlight these narratives, showcasing the roles of enslaved individuals in the conflict. This initiative aligns with the SC250 initiative to commemorate South Carolina’s essential contributions to the war effort.
Hilton Head Island, SC – While South Carolina played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, particularly highlighted by the Battle of Beaufort, Hilton Head Island’s part in the conflict has often gone unnoticed. During this turbulent time, Hilton Head Island experienced internal strife, with its plantation owners divided in their loyalties, leading to what some historians describe as “intra-island wars.”
Though no major battles occurred on Hilton Head, the tension was palpable among residents. The island was home to approximately 25 families, primarily patriots who supported independence, while those on nearby Daufuskie Island largely remained loyal to the British Crown. This division created a localized conflict dubbed a mini-revolution, as those on Hilton Head faced attacks from British soldiers and Loyalist planters from Daufuskie.
The effects of the war on Hilton Head were significant; British raiding parties consistently targeted the island’s plantations. They burned down every plantation on Skull Creek and captured enslaved individuals to sell in the West Indies, leading to widespread devastation. Even after Lord Cornwallis’s surrender in October 1781, fighting persisted on Hilton Head.
Among the notable incidents during this period was the wounding and capture of Lieutenant John Talbird by British forces. His wife, Mary Ann Talbird, faced a British raid while pregnant. Fortunately, her home was spared from burning due to the intervention of British officer Isaac Martinangel, who was also her sister’s husband, prioritizing the preservation of their furniture.
As conflicts escalated, Charles Davant, a Hilton Head patriot, was shot while on patrol in December 1781, and with his final breath, he named his murderer, Martinangel. This act sparked a campaign for revenge by a group known as the Bloody Legion, who ultimately killed Captain Martinangel. Davant is recognized as Hilton Head’s only Revolutionary War casualty, and a historical marker has been installed at the intersection of U.S. 278 and Folly Field Road to commemorate his legacy.
In a bid to highlight the overlooked narratives surrounding the Revolutionary War on Hilton Head Island, the Gullah Traveling Theater will produce a play titled “Da’Gullah American Revolution Experience,” set to showcase the roles of enslaved people during the conflict. Performances are slated for July 2025, and tickets will be available at various price points to accommodate different age groups.
This theater initiative aims to present stories that have often been left out of traditional historical accounts by incorporating Gullah Geechee traditions and highlighting the integral roles of enslaved individuals. The play will utilize traditional Gullah songs to connect history with storytelling through music and address the paradox of seeking freedom while simultaneously denying it to enslaved individuals.
The significance of this play aligns with the SC250 initiative, which aims to underscore South Carolina’s crucial role in the American Revolution. As part of this effort, a new anniversary license plate will be issued, featuring the slogan “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won,” starting January 1, 2026, and continuing until December 31, 2032.
South Carolina was pivotal during the Revolutionary War, with over 200 battles fought in the state, contributing significantly to the victory at Yorktown. Notable military leaders from South Carolina played crucial roles during the war and later in governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Israel Launches Major Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Operations
North Korea Criticizes US Golden Dome Missile Shield Plan
SmartAsset Reveals Wealthiest Counties in South Carolina
Hilton Head Island Celebrates Endangered Marsh Tacky Horse
Charleston’s S.244: A New Hope for Small Businesses
Savannah Celebrates Lafayette’s 200th Anniversary
Beaufort Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit
Beaufort Kicks Off Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Visit
Beaufort, SC: A Coastal Town with Rich History
Trump’s Ultimatum on Hostages and Gaza Resettlement
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Revolutionary War on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Revolutionary War
- SC Daily Gazette: Gullah Geechee Experience
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee
- Island Packet: Historical Marker for Charles Davant
- Google Scholar: Charles Davant
- Legacy.com: Stephen Quick Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Revolutionary War
- WJCL: Hilton Head Ghost Stories
- Google News: Hilton Head Ghost Stories
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
