Lake Hartwell: A Legacy of Courage – The Revolutionary Hero Behind the Name

Nestled along the border of Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is more than just a scenic retreat for boaters and anglers—it's a place steeped in revolutionary spirit. Its name echoes the legacy of a formidable woman whose courage left an indelible mark on American history. Nancy Hart wasn’t just a Patriot; she was a legend, and her story is woven into the very fabric of the region this lake now calls home.

Who Was Nancy Hart?

Believed to have been born in the 1740s, likely in the northeastern colonies, Nancy Ann Morgan Hart eventually made her way south with her husband, Benjamin Hart, and their growing family. By 1771, they had settled along the Broad River in what is now Elbert County, Georgia, bringing with them their eight children and a determined spirit.

Nancy left a strong impression wherever she went. Descriptions from the time paint her as tall, muscular, and red-haired, with a fiery personality to match—and a distinctive cross-eyed gaze that added to her mystique. Despite not being formally educated, she was resourceful, brave, and adept with a musket.

To the Cherokee neighbors in the region, Nancy was known as “Wahatche”, or “War Woman,” a title that spoke volumes about her reputation. A creek in the area was even named after her by the local tribes—a rare honor.

A Fateful Encounter at the Cabin

Nancy’s fame reached new heights during the Revolutionary War, when a group of five Loyalist soldiers crossed the river from British-held Augusta and showed up uninvited at her frontier cabin. Demanding food, they killed the family’s last turkey and insisted she prepare a meal for them.

As she cooked, Nancy overheard the men bragging about having murdered her close friend and neighbor, Colonel John Dooley, a well-known Patriot leader. Though enraged, she masked her emotions, entertaining the soldiers with conversation and passing around whiskey to lower their defenses.

Quietly, she sent her teenage daughter, Sukey, to fetch water at the spring—with secret instructions to sound the family’s conch shell alarm. As Nancy served the men, she began hiding their muskets by sliding them through gaps in the cabin walls.

She had managed to conceal all but a few of the weapons when one of the Loyalists caught on. In a tense standoff, Nancy raised a gun and dared them to act. Thanks to her cross-eyed stare, the soldiers couldn't tell exactly where she was aiming. One misjudged her aim and moved for his weapon—Nancy shot him. Two others followed suit and met the same fate.

Shortly after, Benjamin Hart and other Patriot men arrived. While they initially planned to execute the surviving Loyalists by firing squad, Nancy insisted they be hanged—believing that was a more fitting punishment for their crimes.

Other Legendary Exploits

That encounter wasn't the only story that built Nancy Hart’s legendary status. She was also said to have:

• Disguised herself as a man to infiltrate British camps and gather intel.

• Assisted in the Battle of Kettle Creek, a key Patriot victory in Georgia.

• Built a makeshift log-and-vine bridge across the Savannah River to scout enemy movement.

• Used guerrilla tactics to ambush British troops near her home.

A Legacy Carved into Georgia’s Map

Nancy Hart’s bravery and boldness left an indelible mark on Georgia:

• Hart County, established in 1853, is still the only county in Georgia named after a woman.

• The city of Hartwell and Lake Hartwell bear her name.

• A replica of her log cabin stands in Elbert County, built with stones from the original chimney.

• State Route 77 is officially designated the Nancy Hart Highway.

• A group of women in LaGrange during the Civil War formed a militia called the “Nancy Harts” in tribute to her.

• In 1997, she was honored by the Georgia Women of Achievement for her contributions to the state's Revolutionary history.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  

A Woman Worth Remembering

As you explore the peaceful shores of Lake Hartwell or delve into Georgia's rich Revolutionary past, take a moment to remember the woman behind the name. Nancy Hart was more than just a Patriot—she was a fierce defender of her home, a mother, and a force to be reckoned with on the frontier.

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Sources

• Coleman, Kenneth. A History of Georgia. University of Georgia Press, 1991.

• Knight, Lucian Lamar. Georgia’s Landmarks, Memorials, and Legends. Byrd Printing Company, 1913.

• National Park Service. “Nancy Hart: Georgia Heroine of the American Revolution.”

• Georgia Historical Society. “Nancy Hart.” Historical Markers Program.

• Digital Library of Georgia. “Nancy Hart and Georgia’s Revolutionary War History.”

• Anderson County Museum. History of Lake Hartwell and Regional Figures.

• Lake Hartwell Association. “Lake Hartwell: History and Heritage.”

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hartwell Dam and Lake.

• Wikipedia contributors. “Nancy Hart.”

• Georgia Women of Achievement. “Nancy Morgan Hart.”