Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter SAR at the Commemoration of the Rev War Battle of Waxhaws

The Battle of Waxhaws, also known as Buford's massacre was fought near Lancaster, SC. on May 29, 1780. It is commemorated each year as a standout event in the Revolutionary War. After the battle the term "Remember Tarleton's Quarter" became a rallying cry for Patriots.

From the monument: "On this site, Col. Abraham Buford's force of about 350 American Patriots, while returning to Hillsborough, N.C. following the fall of Charlestown, were overtaken by British troops commanded by Col. Banastre Tarleton. It is historically told that the patriots white flag of surrender was disregarded as Tarleton's forces massacred the Americans. 113 Patriots killed and buried here in mass graves. 150 wounded most of whom died with a few days. 53 captured and only a few escaped on horseback. From this battle came the war cry "remember Tarleton's quarter".

Colonel Buford was from Culpeper County, VA. His troops were from Virginia.

Every year the Virginia Society SAR gathers and blesses Virginia soil, places the soil in a jar and solemnly presents the blessed soil to the President of the Virginia Society SAR. The President then transports the blessed soil to the annual commemoration of the Battle of Waxhaws where he sprinkles the soil on the mass graves of Virginia Patriots killed in the battle. Virginia SAR President Darrin Schmidt had the honor this year.

Representing the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter at the Ceremony was Ken Bonner, past president.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter represents Loudoun County and parts of adjacent counties with eighty-four members. The chapter was awarded Best Medium Sized Chapter for 2025. For more information about the chapter please visit our website at: johnchampe-sar.org/