George C. Mackenzie
Kings Mountain National Military Park, South Carolina
"Kings Mountain National Military Park, South Carolina" by George C. Mackenzie is a historical account written in the mid-20th century, specifically published in 1955. This book serves as a part of the Historical Handbook series by the National Park Service, aiming to describe important historical and archaeological sites within the National Park System. The primary focus of this publication is the Battle of Kings Mountain, which played a significant role in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The book details the context leading up to the battle, including the British military strategy in the south, the emergence of loyalist and patriot forces, and the gathering of frontier militia. Mackenzie narrates the critical confrontation on October 7, 1780, where American patriots, primarily composed of rugged frontiersmen, engaged British loyalist forces led by Major Patrick Ferguson. Despite being outnumbered, the skilled marksmen achieved a decisive victory, demonstrating the effectiveness of frontiersmen in combat and uplifting patriot sentiment. The aftermath of the battle is also discussed, highlighting its influence on the broader campaign and the eventual turn in favor of the American forces in the Revolutionary War.