The Impact of Geology on the March to the Battle of Eutaw Springs

Atlantic Coastal Plain geology impacted Continental and British strategy in many ways prior to the Battle of Eutaw Springs during summer 1781. The elevation of the Upper Coastal Plain High Hills of Santee influenced General Nathanael Greene to encamp his Continental army there to gain relief from the heat, humidity, and diseases associated with the adjacent Middle Coastal Plain swamps. The strategic advantage offered by high ground inside a large Middle Coastal Plain meander lobe of the Congaree River influenced Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart to encamp his British force there in anticipation that Greene would attack from across the river and swamps. However, Greene marched around the swamps because the sandy roads facilitated advancement. To avoid being trapped, Stewart moved to high ground at Eutaw Springs, where a stream emerging from a cave in the Santee Limestone provided abundant fresh water and nearby Coastal Plain terraces offered fresh food.