Francis Marion: His Life and Role in the American Revolution
When someone is learning about the heroes of the American Revolution, we tend to learn about George Washington, with little to no mention of Francis Marion. Marion went from being a farmer trying to take care of his family by living off of the land to a Brigadier General in the South Carolina Militia. His campaign during the American Revolution prevented the British from having a stronghold over the state.
In 1732, Francis Marion was born to first generation South Carolinians, Gabriel Marion and Esther Cordes. Marion’s grandparents where French Protestants known as Huguenots. “Among them were two sisters and their husbands – Judith and Benjamin Marion and Ester and Anthony Cordes.” (Miller 3) Marion was the youngest of six children from St. Johns parish. “Born undersized, with malformed ankles and knees, Francis did not look like a future hero.” (Miller 4) As a child, Francis Marion enjoyed the outdoors. He spent his time hunting, fishing, and farming. Marion also spent a great deal of his time in the swamps around his home. He became very knowledgeable about the local swamps and how to survive in them.
“In boyhood he had shown a great desire for the sea, and had been allowed to go as a sailor on a trail trip to the West Indies”. (Ravenel 208) …show more content…
History will record his worth and rising generations embalm his memory as one of the most distinguished Patriots and Heroes of the American Revolution which elevated his native country to honor and independence and secured to her the blessings of liberty and peace. This tribute of veneration and gratitude is erected commemoration of the noble and disinterested virtues of the citizen and the gallant exploits of the soldier who lived without fear and died without reproach.