Overview of “Backcountry Resistance”
Author: Carl P. Borick
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
Recognition: Selected as one of the South Carolina State Library’s 2026 “Great Reads from Great Places.”
Carl P. Borick’s book, Backcountry Resistance: South Carolina’s Militia and the Fight for American Independence, explores the often-overlooked narratives of ordinary people in South Carolina’s backcountry during the Revolutionary War. It shines a light on local communities and militia members who played crucial roles, contrasting with the more familiar figures like George Washington and the iconic events in places such as Philadelphia and Boston.
Key Themes
- Local Involvement: The book emphasizes the participation of everyday South Carolinians in the conflict, detailing their struggles, motivations, and resilience.
- Militia Leadership: Borick discusses how local leaders, such as Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, were able to mobilize and sustain resistance despite a lack of formal governance following the British capture of Charleston in 1780.
- Family and Community Impact: It reflects on the personal toll of the war on families, illustrated through the stories of individuals like the Gaston brothers and accounts of neighborly violence.
Significance
The book’s selection for national recognition ties into a broader resurgence of interest in South Carolina’s Revolutionary-era history, especially as the state prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Remarks from Experts
Ehren Foley, an acquisitions editor at USC Press, highlights the book’s unique perspective, stating it effectively moves beyond legendary military figures to explore the lives of ordinary families affected by the war.
Additional Information
For further details and access to the full list of recognized works, visit the South Carolina State Library’s website: Great Reads from Great Places.
