Francis Marion
Francis Marion

Francis Marion, by name the Swamp Fox, (born c. 1732, Winyah, South Carolina [U.S.]—died February 26, 1795, Berkeley county, South Carolina, U.S.), colonial American soldier in the American Revolution (1775–83), nicknamed the “Swamp Fox” by the British for his elusive tactics

Majority of people have heard of Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox.  Some when they became acquainted with the movie “The Patriot” featuring Mel Gibson and filmed here in Berkeley County.  Many history buffs and any military buff who wish to learn about “Guerilla Warfare”- Francis Marion became known as the father of “Guerilla Warfare”.  There is lots of information on the web and many books have been written about this legendary hero.  I will be sharing different gems about our Revolutionary War Hero.  Today, I will share where I was born and raised and why it is called “Hell Hole”

Francis Marion

Francis Marion used the land and swamps to evade the British troops, so when King George asked General Cornwallis why he could not capture Marion.  Cornwallis replied, “he hides in a hell of a hole”.  So over time the area around the Francis Marion National Forrest became referred to and known as Hell Hole or Hell Hole Swamp.  The challenge is defining exactly where it is. If you ask locals it is down that way or two or three miles over there.

Learn More:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Marion

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francis-Marion

Gertrude Legendre

Did you know that Berkeley County was home to a World War II spy?

Ms. Gertrude Legendre: Explorer, Hunter, Socialite, Spy

Gertrude Sanford Legendre (March 29, 1902 – March 8, 2000) was an American socialite who served with the Office of Strategic Services, the American spy agency, during World War II. She was also an explorer, big-game hunter, environmentalist, and owner of Medway plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina. 

I have included two links for you to get to know more about Mrs. Legendre, there are also several books written about this extraordinary lady.

gertrude

I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Legendre and I must say I was mesmerized by her achievements and experiences.  One experience that I personally was involved: One day at the Chamber I had a very tall gentlemen walk in and at once from his speech and dress you knew he was English.  He had stopped for directions he was going to Medway Plantation but could not find it.  I gave him directions and he thanked me and left.  I went to the window there was a diplomatic car with the English flags flying and inside the car was Prince Charles of England.  He had come to Medway to visit Ms. Legendre and go bird hunting.

Just another day in Berkeley County.

Learn More:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Sanford_Legendre

https://today.cofc.edu/2016/01/05/gertrude-legendre-archive/