📅 On This Day in Military History

August 16

1 event across history

⚔️📍 Camden, South Carolina1780

Battle of Camden — America's Worst Defeat in the Revolution

British General Cornwallis shattered the Continental Army of General Horatio Gates at Camden, South Carolina, killing or capturing 1,000 men and routing twice as many in a panicked flight. Gates fled 180 miles before stopping.

Camden was the Continental Army's worst defeat and temporarily ended organized American resistance in the South, though it also led to Gates's replacement by the more capable Nathanael Greene.

Outcome

British victory; Southern Campaign turns against Americans

Casualties

2,000