Archibald Campbell As a lieutenant colonel, Archibald Campbell (1739–1791) commanded 3,500 British troops in the Capture of Savannah in December 1778 during the American Revolution. He would rise in rank to major general and be knighted for his services. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library Digital Collection. (more) Capture of Savannah American Revolution [1778] Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Print Cite verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style MLA APA Chicago Manual of Style Copy Citation Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/event/Capture-of-Savannah Feedback External Websites Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites HistoryNet - Siege of Savannah During the American Revolutionary War Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Raymond K. Bluhm Raymond K. Bluhm Jr. is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and military historian, author, and former professor of American history. His work appears in Encyclopaedia Britannica as part of a joint publishing... Raymond K. Bluhm Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Nov 21, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Quick Facts Date: December 29, 1778 (Show more) Location: Georgia Savannah Savannah River United States (Show more) Participants: United Kingdom United States (Show more) Context: American Revolution (Show more) See all related content Stalemate in their war with the Americans in the north and concern over French attacks against British-held Caribbean islands caused the British to focus on securing the southern American colonies during the American Revolution. A primary objective was the capture of the port of Savannah, in Georgia. A force of British regulars was sent to bolster that operation, which was carried out on December 29, 1778.

　　Lieutenant General Henry Clinton envisaged a combined British effort with troops coming from East Florida, but the small Florida force was easily repulsed by the American outposts before British ships arrived with 3,500 men under Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell. These sailed up the Savannah River and landed Campbell with his men 3 miles (5 km) east of Savannah on December 29. He then worked his way overland toward the town.

　　Britannica Quiz Facts You Should Know: American Revolution The mixed American defense force of Continentals and militia under Major General Robert Howe could muster only 850 effective men. Howe positioned his men around the southern edge of Savannah with the untrained local militia on his far right, farthest from the point of expected British arrival. He then waited, thinking the surrounding swamps would disrupt Campbell’s advance.

　　However, an enslaved man showed Campbell a hidden path around to the American right flank. Campbell sent an assault force in that direction while another group with artillery made diversionary probes against the center defenses. The American militia on the right broke and ran almost immediately on seeing the British approach. Campbell then led an assault against the center. Howe’s defense collapsed, and the city was captured after less than an hour of light fighting. Howe and others escaped, but Britain now had a southern operational base that they would retain until the very end of the Revolutionary War.