Archaeologist speaks on Francis Marion
By Warner M.Montgomery Warner@TheColumbiaStar.com

Keith Gourdin of Pineville (l) and Stephen Smith of the S.C. Institute of Anthropology and Archaeology discuss a map of Belle Isle Plantation, site of Gen. Francis Marion's tomb.

Stephen D. Smith, associate director for applied research of the S.C. Institute of Anthropology and Archaeology, spoke to the North Berkeley County Historic and Cultural Committee in Pineville, the home and burial place of Revolutionary War hero Gen. Francis Marion October 21, 2007.

Smith has 26 years professional experience in archaeology as a historical archaeologist. His research has focused on military sites and history. He has been involved for over 10 years in research leading to the development of the Francis Marion (Swamp Fox) Trail.

Smith explained Gen. Francis Marion's victories at Ft. Watson and Ft. Motte in terms of the archaeological evidence he had uncovered. He pointed out that, based on new information, Col. Hezekiah Maham's Tower at Ft. Watson was classical balustrade on wheels. Maham's grave is also located in Pineville.