We've got one more local history program left in 2025. We continue our focus on the course of the American Revolution as we get ever closer to the upcoming 250th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though the overall topic is the same as Neil Baxley's most excellent presentation yesterday, this one has a more narrow focus - militia units in Beaufort District.
The definition of the term "militia" has varied through time but in the late 18th century, the term generally meant "a body of able-bodied [usually white] male citizens" generally between the ages of 15 and 45 or so "who served as a part-time, citizen-army for local defense." Individuals were mostly left to do their own business though when called, the militia members were expected to show up and do their duty. Though militia had to supply their own arms and were subject to military training, sometimes all did not go as intended. For example, not all white male persons between the ages of approximately 15 and 45 years were in favor of supporting King George III or in favor of supporting the Patriot cause. Some men preferred to avoid taking sides. In other words, the years between 1774 and 1784 were complicated for residents of South Carolina.
We are pleased that Rich Thomas, Chair of the Beaufort County 250 Committee, has agreed to share his knowledge about what the area militia units were doing over the period with us as a reprise of the talk he did at St. Helena Branch earlier in 2025. (I'm so glad that he didn't hold that technical equipment failure against us and has graciously consented to giving it a go for another segment of the BDC's service population at Bluffton Branch.) We do so hope that you can join us!
Program Summary: Rich Thomas will discuss the role and actions of the "Beaufort District Militia in the Revolutionary War." British inroads into South Carolina following the 1778 Capture of Savannah were repeatedly confounded by the resourceful militia forces of Beaufort District, north and south of the Broad. Trace their activities and learn more about some of the individuals whose courage and dedication had a direct impact on the Continental Army’s success in gaining independence from English rule.
Speaker Biography: Richard Thomas is an experienced global business executive and successful entrepreneur having served as CEO, President or Executive Vice President in seven different ventures in four diverse industries. He is very involved in local historical organizations such as the Heritage Library, Santa Elena Foundation, and Friends of Honey Hill Board. He is Chairman of the Beaufort County 250 Committee responsible for planning local celebrations of the nation's Semiquincentennial. He wrote Backwater Frontier: Beaufort County, South Carolina at the Forefront of American History (2018). His current research interest is focused on the early colonial period of St. Helena and Prince William's parishes in Beaufort District.
FYI: The Library system will be closed Thursday, November 27 - Sunday, November 30, 2025. All hands will return on deck as of 9 AM Monday, December 1, 2025. 
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