The Battle of Waxhaws, also known as Buford’s Massacre, took place on May 29, 1780, during the American Revolutionary War near Lancaster, South Carolina. It was a confrontation between Patriot forces led by Colonel Abraham Buford and British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton.
Buford’s force, consisting of Continental Army soldiers, was retreating toward North Carolina when Tarleton’s British Legion caught up with them. After Buford rejected an offer to surrender, Tarleton’s cavalry launched a swift attack. As the battle unfolded, some of Buford’s men attempted to surrender, but confusion and chaos led to continued fighting. Many Patriot soldiers were killed even after laying down their arms, leading to accusations that Tarleton’s forces had refused to grant quarter.
The casualties were heavily skewed—while the British suffered minimal losses, Buford’s force was devastated, with over 100 killed, 150 wounded, and 53 captured. The event became a rallying cry for Patriot forces, with the phrase “Tarleton’s Quarter” coming to symbolize brutality and refusal to spare surrendering troops.
The battle played a significant role in fueling anti-British sentiment in the Southern colonies, strengthening resistance against British forces in the region.