The Spartan Regiment, composed of two hundred men from the area, began its service in August of 1755, after being organized at the suggestion of William Henry Drayton and William Tennent, commissioners of the Council of Safety.

These two men at first were met with opposition from settlers to the cause of freedom from the English king. Some of the people said they would rather be ruled by the king that by the “Charles Town gentlemen” who had been reluctant to grant them courts and offices in their own section. Drayton and Tennent wanted the people to sign a document against the king, forming what they called an association.

The few men from Colonel Thomas Fletchall’s regiment formed the Spartan Regiment, with Colonel John Thomas Sr. as its head. Fletchall was commander under the Royal government.

The first service of the regiment was with Colonel Richard Richardson against the Loyalist forces at the Great Cane Brake in what is now Greenville County.

Some of the Spartans fought with Colonel Andrew Williamson against the Cherokees who had been terrorizing the families throughout the state. They were ordered by Williamson to destroy the stronghold of Richard Pearis because it was an Indian and Tory base. This was at Paris Mountain in Greenville, named for Pearis.

In the spring of 1778, the Spartan Regiment divided. The part known as the Spartan Regiment remained under the command of Colonel John Thomas. James Brandon was given command of the Second Spartan Regiment. Thomas’a men remained in the home area while Brandon’s men went elsewhere.

Later in 1778 the Second Regiment went with Williamson and the Upper Brigade of South Carolina against the Florida Loyalists. From 1779 to 1780 they were on the defense in Charles Town.

The Spartan Regiment had a great supply of gun powder which was taken to Colonel John Thomas Jr. at Sumter’s camp near York in 1780. The Regiment placed itself under the command of the younger Thomas and fought in several battles within the next few months.

On Jan. 17, 1781, the Spartan Regiment took part in the Battle of Cowpens. The Regiment held the responsibility of being scouts, skirmishers, commissary officers and combatants.

The nature of the men who served in the Spartan Regiment was an unusual one compared with most men fighting a war. These men were loose and flexible in organization. They chose their own officers and decided by mutual agreement on their activities. They fought hard and boldly when they thought they could win and ran when they thought they would lose. It was not unusual for the men to go home to attend their duties there when no enemy was reported. Leadership was not important to them; they changed leaders whenever they felt the need.