Colonel Abraham Buford: Legacy of A Revolutionary War Hero

Early Life and the Outbreak of War

Born into a prominent Virginia family, Abraham Buford was one of six sons of John and Judith Early Beaufort (Buford), all of whom would serve with distinction in the American Revolutionary War.

With the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, Buford quickly rose to prominence, organizing a company of minutemen in Virginia.

His leadership and dedication earned him a rapid ascent through the ranks, and by May 1778, he had achieved the rank of colonel.

Command and the Southern Campaign

In September 1778, Colonel Buford assumed command of the 11th Virginia Regiment.

His reputation as a capable and determined leader was well-established by this time. In April 1780,

Buford was assigned to the ad-hoc 3rd Virginia Detachment, a unit created to bolster American defenses in the South as British forces intensified their campaign to regain control of the rebellious colonies.

Buford and his men were sent south to relieve the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, a key strategic objective for both the British and American forces.

However, by the time they arrived, the situation had deteriorated. The British, under General Sir Henry Clinton, had surrounded Charleston, and the American forces were outnumbered and outmaneuvered.

Despite Buford’s best efforts, his men were positioned on the north side of the Santee River and were unable to assist in the Battle of Lenud's Ferry, where Patriot forces suffered significant losses.

The Waxhaw Massacre

Following the fall of Charleston on May 12, 1780, Buford and his men were forced to withdraw.

Their retreat, however, would soon lead them into one of the most infamous events of the Revolutionary War—the Waxhaw Massacre.

On May 29, 1780, Buford’s contingent was intercepted by a British and Loyalist force led by the infamous Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, whose reputation for brutality had already begun to spread.

Tarleton, known for his aggressive and ruthless tactics, demanded Buford’s immediate surrender.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Buford refused, choosing instead to stand his ground. What followed was a devastating assault by Tarleton’s cavalry, which quickly overwhelmed Buford’s troops.

The engagement, marked by confusion and chaos, took a tragic turn when Tarleton’s horse was shot, causing the British to believe that the Patriots had fired on their commander while attempting to surrender.

Enraged, Tarleton’s men continued their attack with what he later described as "a vindictive asperity not easily restrained." In what became known as the Waxhaw Massacre, many of Buford’s men were killed as they tried to surrender, leading to widespread outrage and fueling anti-British sentiment throughout the colonies.

Aftermath and Buford’s Continued Service

Despite the devastating losses at Waxhaws, Buford managed to escape on horseback with the remnants of his force.

He was not held accountable for the massacre, as it was clear that he had done everything possible under the circumstances.

Buford continued to serve with distinction in the Continental Army, participating in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, which ultimately led to the British surrender and the end of major hostilities in the war.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the war, Buford settled in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, where he was granted several thousand acres of military bounty lands in recognition of his service.

There, he helped found Kentucky’s horseracing industry, contributing to the state’s development and economy.

Buford lived the rest of his life in Scott County, Kentucky, at his estate, "Richland," which remains a significant historical site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Buford’s legacy extended beyond his own lifetime.

His descendants continued to play prominent roles in American military history, particularly during the Civil War.

Union Major General John Buford, who distinguished himself at the Battle of Gettysburg, and Confederate General Abraham Buford, who fought with distinction for the South.

These connections underscore the lasting impact of Abraham Buford’s legacy on American military history.

In a poignant postscript to Buford’s story, on Flag Day, June 14, 2006, descendants of Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton sold Colonel Buford's regimental flags, captured during the Waxhaw Massacre, at Sotheby’s New York for over $5,000,000.

The sale of these flags, long-held as symbols of the brutality and tragedy of the Waxhaw Massacre, served as a reminder of the deep and enduring scars left by the Revolutionary War.

Conclusion

Colonel Abraham Buford’s life was marked by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the cause of American independence.

From the early days of the war to the final victory at Yorktown, Buford’s contributions were significant, and his legacy continued to influence American history long after the Revolutionary War had ended.

His story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Patriot cause.