Natives versus Settlers: the Long Cane Massacre, February 1, 1760

The Anglo-Cherokee War, 1759-1761 was the result of misunderstood motives on both sides of the conflict.  The Cherokee expected that British authorities would respect their hunting range and keep settlers out.  The British were concerned that the Cherokee might switch allegiance to the French.  There was a concurrent war going on, the Seven Years/French and Indian War, 1756-1763. 

There were mutual attacks on both sides.  The British sent punitive raids deep into Cherokee territory, burning several villages.  Cherokee forces captured Fort Loudoun after several leaders taken hostage had been killed.  In this tense environment, Settlers in outlying areas decided to flee their farmsteads until hostilities calmed down.  Around 150 settlers had established a settlement near Long Cane Creek, in what is now McCormick County, South Carolina.  They determined to head to Fort Moore, near Augusta, Georgia to await a more peaceful time.  On July 1, 1760, about 150 men, women and children in 150 wagons struggled to cross the boggy creek bed.  Wagons got stuck and the going was slow.  There, they were ambushed by a force of Cherokee Indians.  Casualties were 23 Settlers killed and about 21 Cherokee killed.  The Settlers were armed and able to fight back.  However, some captives were taken, including Ann Calhoun, a relative of future Senator and Vice President John C. Calhoun.  A tombstone marks the spot near Troy, South Carolina where the incident happened.