One of the greatest heroes of the American Revolution in the South, Thomas Sumter fought with courage after the loss of Charleston, SC, forming a brigade of militia in the backcountry while Gov. Rutledge removed to North Carolina. During this time, Sumter led his militia repeatedly against British Regulars in a guerilla war, rarely defeating them, yet effectively disrupting both lines of supply and lines of communication. It was during this time that Sumter earned his nickname, "The Gamecock."

Angered at the success of the irregulars and militia under Sumter's command, the British sent Banastre Tarleton, with an ample force, to chase The Gamecock. Realizing that the British commander had split his force to effectively chase the South Carolinians, and to give his men time to rest, Sumter decided to fortify a position and see if the British would attack. They did. Although the Americans suffered a serious blow to their high-level command, including Sumter and three colonels, the South Carolina militia won a stunning victory that laid the groundwork for the British defeat at Cowpens.

In December, 1810, after serving his country in various political positions, Sumter retired from public and continued to manage his plantation.