At least 121 African Americans of South Carolina served in the Revolutionary War on the American side while as many as 25,000 others ran away from bondage to freedom during the Revolutionary War.

Twelve known patriots can be associated with a county or a congressional district.  Four patriots are from Orangeburg, three from Richland and one apiece from Spartanburg, Union (formerly Union District), Beaufort (formerly Granville County) Christ Church Parish and Barnwell (formerly Barnwell District).

Patriots once lived in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts.  Reps Jim Clyburn and Joe Wilson share seven patriots.  Both represent one additional patriot from Beaufort and Barnwell counties, respectively.  Rep. Mick Mulvaney represents 15 who were at the decisive Battle of Cowpens according to the National Park Service.

Rep. Trey Gowdy represents patriot and poll tax protester Spencer Bolton who served under Gen. Francis Marion.  From 1959 to 1961, patriot Oscar “Buddy” Marion was portrayed by actor Jordan Whitfield in the Walt Disney miniseries, “The Swamp Fox.”