Historic Brattonsville reenactment honors 18th century enslaved SC woman who escaped

In the year 1777, in South Carolina, enslaved Black persons living there had two options — stay or run away, but chances for survival were slim.

However, Lucy Banbury, an enslaved woman who sought freedom in the late 1700s, took her chances.

Banbury’s story of how she escaped will be shared during “The Battle of Huck’s Defeat,” a reenactment program of the 18th century event hosted this weekend by Historic Brattonsville and the Culture & Heritage Museum.

Born in Africa, but sold into slavery to Arthur Middleton of South Carolina, Banbury later escaped with her husband John to the British army, said Carin Bloom, manager of Education and Programming at the Historic Charleston Foundation. According to Bloom, Banbury was a farmer and possessed a certificate of good character.

Banbury’s life is primarily documented through limited records of enslaved people’s histories, Bloom said. She stands out in American history as one of the few enslaved individuals to achieve freedom independently due to her remarkable determination.

“While Lucy Banbury’s story unfolded in South Carolina’s Low Country, her experience reflects that of many other enslaved individuals for whom historical records are sparse,” said Jayme Benton, educational program manager at Historic Brattonsville. “Our aim is to offer a comprehensive glimpse into the war’s impact, recognizing that ongoing research may alter current understandings.”

Banbury’s full story, “A Black Loyalist’s Liberty: How Lucy Banbury Took Back Her Freedom” and essays about other women who made strides during the 18th century may be found in Bloom’s book “Women Waging War in the American Revolution,” that will be available for attendees.

Benton said Historic Brattonsville has commemorated the anniversary of the Battle of Huck’s Defeat every July since the 1990s.

“ ‘The Battle of Huck’s Defeat’ reenactment, tells the story of the American Revolution in the Carolina Piedmont,” Benton said “It will feature soldiers and battles, including some people left out of the historical narrative, such as women and enslaved Africans.”

Attendees can expect military demonstrations (cavalry and artillery) domestic demonstrations (cooking, laundry, and textile production), and a full battle.

The event will also include traditional museum experiences, such as tours of the site and the original Huck’s Defeat battlefield. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, as well as unique souvenirs from historic sutlers and Brattonsville’s gift shop.

Want to go?

What: “The Battle of Huck’s Defeat” at Historic Brattonsville

Where: 1444 Brattonsville Rd., McConnells, SC

When: July 13-14 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Additional information maybe found at the Culture & Heritage Museum website: https://chmuseums.org/brattonsville/