Save the Date--Revolutionary War: Battle of Purysburg (Lecture Series)

The Revolutionary War Battle of Purysburg (Revolutionary War era spelling) in old Beaufort District was part of a series of military movements in 1779 to prevent the invasion of British troops into South Carolina.  British Gen. Augustine Prevost hoped to gain support of the numerous Tories in the area and capture Fort Lyttelton near Beaufort with its 21 cannon and small garrison. Standing in opposition was Patriot Gen. Benjamin Lincoln who had approximately 6000 soldiers and militiamen spread along the Savannah River from the sea islands to Augusta.

British General August Prevost (above)

Patriot General Benjamin Lincoln (above)

Rita Elliott has been the Education Coordinator & Research Associate for LAMAR Institute since 1993. LAMAR Institute is a non-profit organization that conducts archaeological research in the southeastern United States and educates the public about archaeology. She’s also served as Curator of Exhibits and Archaeology for Coastal Heritage Society which administers historic sites like old Fort Jackson and Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Savannah History Museum. Her latest research interests are colonial Fort King George, revolutionary Fort Washington, non-combatants in the Civil War, historic pharmacies, and Rosenwald schools.

Come learn about the archaeology of the Purysburg site with LAMAR Institute’s Rita Elliott in this local history program co-sponsored by the Beaufort History Museum and the Beaufort County Library.  

Rita Elliott

Please note: At the time of posting, wearing masks is encouraged inside all Library facilities.

Click here to view the LAMAR Institute's YouTube video, "Documenting the Battle of Purysburg."