Capture of Savannah: Key Events and Impact

Historical Event

Date

December 29, 1778

Location

Savannah, GA, United States

Result

British victory

Introduction

The Capture of Savannah occurred on December 29, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War when a British force of 3,100 soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell successfully seized Savannah, Georgia. This event marked the beginning of the British southern strategy to regain control of the rebellious colonies by leveraging Loyalist support in the South. The British occupation of Savannah lasted several years, despite a significant Franco-American siege in 1779 aimed to retake the city. Ultimately, the British victory secured Georgia as a key Loyalist base until late in the war. This capture was a strategic British offensive shifting focus to the southern colonies.

Historical background of the Capture of Savannah

During the American Revolutionary War, the British shifted focus to the southern colonies, believing Loyalist support would aid their cause. In this context, a British force commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Campbell captured Savannah, Georgia, on December 29, 1778, marking a key moment in the British southern strategy. The city’s defenses were weak, and Campbell’s force, around 3,100 troops, quickly overtook the American garrison, leading to an extended British occupation. This capture facilitated further British operations in the region and was intended to rally Loyalists. The British held Savannah as a strategic base, repelling attempts by Franco-American forces to retake the city in 1779. British control lasted until near the end of the war, highlighting Savannah’s importance in the southern theater of the conflict. The event triggered a significant military engagement known as the siege of Savannah the following year, featuring joint Allied efforts to regain the city. This capture set the stage for prolonged conflict over Georgia between 1778 and 1782.

Events during the capture of Savannah

The capture of Savannah involved a focused military engagement marked by intense fighting and complex coordination between allied forces.

Siege and positions

The siege began on September 16, 1779, when French-American forces, led by French Admiral Charles Hector d’Estaing and American General Benjamin Lincoln, surrounded the British-held city of Savannah, Georgia. The British, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Augustine Prevost, occupied strong defensive positions with well-prepared fortifications. The allied forces dug trenches and established siege lines around the city, aiming to cut off British supplies and reinforcements. Despite their efforts, the British defenders remained well-fortified and prepared for a prolonged siege.

French and American coordination

The allied army was diverse, including French troops, American Continental soldiers, local militias, and a notable contingent from the French Caribbean colony of Saint-Domingue. This mix brought unique challenges in coordination. Early in the siege, d’Estaing demanded the British surrender, but Prevost requested and was granted a 24-hour delay. This delay allowed British reinforcements under Lieutenant Colonel Maitland to arrive, strengthening the city's defenses and forcing the allies into a siege rather than an immediate assault.

Assault attempts and battles

A significant turning point occurred on October 8, when d’Estaing ordered a large-scale, three-pronged assault to break British lines. One attack used a diversionary force of South Carolina and Georgia militia to draw British attention. Another under Colonel Arthur Dillon targeted the British right flank but became disoriented in the swamps, leading to heavy losses as the troops were met with intense musket fire. The main allied effort focused on the Spring Hill redoubt, a key defensive position, but the British anticipated this move and were well prepared. The attack was disorganized by morning fog and delays, exposing the allied troops to heavy enemy fire and resulting in a failed assault with substantial casualties.

Aftermath of fighting

The assault lasted about an hour but was marked by intense combat and heavy losses, including the mortal wounding of Polish volunteer Count Casimir Pulaski, an important cavalry leader for the allies. Despite repeated attempts during the siege, the allied forces were unable to dislodge the British defenders, who maintained control of Savannah. Ultimately, the siege was abandoned in mid-October, leaving the British in control of the city for several more years.

Throughout the capture attempt, British defensive preparedness, timely reinforcements, and coordinated resistance were decisive factors in holding Savannah against the allied siege and assaults.

Results of the capture of Savannah

The capture of Savannah in late 1778 gave the British a crucial southern port and marked the start of their Southern Campaign in the American Revolutionary War. British forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, overwhelmed American defenders and seized the city quickly, forcing the Americans to retreat and lose vital supplies. This victory allowed the British to control Savannah until near the end of the war in 1782.

In 1779, a major Franco-American effort to recapture Savannah failed. Despite the participation of French troops and leaders like Count d’Estaing and Polish officer Casimir Pulaski (who was mortally wounded), the assault was defeated by well-prepared British defenders. The failure of this siege left Savannah under British control, straining the American-French alliance and extending British influence in the South.

Legacy and impact on the American Revolution

The Capture of Savannah in 1778 marked a significant British victory in the American Revolution, allowing them to consolidate power in the southern colonies. This victory was part of Britain's southern strategy to regain control by appealing to Loyalists there. The British occupation of Savannah lasted until the end of the war and enabled them to launch further campaigns that weakened American resistance in the South. The subsequent failed Franco-American siege of Savannah in 1779 highlighted the international nature of the conflict but did not change British control. This event shifted military momentum and affected both American morale and strategies during the war.