Most South Carolinians know the name Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War brigadier general famously nicknamed the “Swamp Fox” for his daring guerrilla tactics against British forces. Far fewer know the story of the man who faithfully served beside him—one of the many unsung heroes of the American Revolution.
Oscar Marion, also known as “Buddy,” was an enslaved man of African descent who is believed to have grown up alongside Francis Marion in Berkeley County. During the Revolutionary War, the two served together with the 2nd South Carolina Continental Regiment. Oscar’s contributions extended far beyond preparing meals for the troops. He provided vital support in the field, assisted military operations, and is believed to have served as a personal spy for Francis Marion, gathering intelligence that aided the Patriot cause.
On Tuesday, September 15, join the Daniel Island Historical Society and Berkeley 250 as they welcome acclaimed author, speaker, and founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, Joe McGill, for a compelling and thought-provoking presentation portraying Oscar Marion.
Through third-person interpretation, Mr. McGill will bring to life the experiences of Oscar and other African Americans who served during the Revolutionary War, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black men and women in the struggle for independence. Participants will be invited to explore themes of loyalty, resilience, service, and survival while examining perspectives that challenge traditional narratives of the Revolutionary era.
By connecting the past to the present, McGill’s powerful portrayal encourages deeper reflection on freedom, identity, and the enduring impact of history on our lives today.
Joseph McGill, Jr. is a public historian, preservationist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to preserving and interpreting the lives of the enslaved. Since 2010, he has conducted over 250 overnight stays in former slave dwellings across the United States, bringing attention to these often-overlooked structures and the stories they hold. A former National Park Service Ranger and Field Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, McGill is also coauthor of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery. His work has been featured on PBS, NPR, and the Smithsonian Channel.