See & Do

Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson Site

The Santee Indian Mound is over 3,000 years old and served as a prehistoric ceremonial and subsequent burial for the Santee Indians. It is the largest ceremonial center found on the coastal plain. Perhaps the mound's greatest notoriety comes from its use as a British fort during the American Revolution. This outpost was built by the British and was at least 30 feet high. Gen. Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, and Light Horse Harry Lee laid siege to the post April 15-23, 1781, by erecting a tower of logs under the cover of night enabling them to fire into the British stockade. This brought about the surrender of the fort cutting off the main British supply line to Camden, forcing Lord Rawdon to withdraw from that position. The Battle of Fort Watson is one of the murals featured on the Swamp Fox Murals Trail in Summerton, Paxville, Manning & Turbeville, I-95, Exit 108 to Exit 135. From an observation point at the top of Indian mound, visitors can get a panoramic view of Santee Cooper and the countryside. Santee Indian Mound and Santee National Wildlife Refuge make a historic and adventurous place to visit for photography, nature study, hiking, biking and birding.

Visit our Website at: www.fws.gov/santee.