Our History

The Ghost of Wedgefield Plantation “The Headless Sentry”

Revolutionary ghost stories are common among South Carolina folklore. One such story takes place on the grounds of Wedgefield Plantation, known as The Headless Sentry.

In 1762, John Waties sold some of his land, now known as Wedgefield Plantation, to a prominent planter-merchant named Samuel Wragg. Mr. Wragg was an influential figure in the political workings of the period. He built a grand manor house on the property and often entertained guests there. When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, he at first remained neutral. Once the British forces took over Georgetown, he sided with the British and became a Loyalist (Tory). Many of his family and friends labeled him a traitor for his support of the British over the colonies.

General Francis Marion, also known as the “Swamp Fox”, was a soldier for the Patriots (colonies) during the Revolutionary War. He was known for his subversive tactics. His irregular warfare included recruiting spies to help carry out his “guerilla” warfare tactics. One such spy was Mr. Wragg’s daughter, who remained strictly, although secretively, loyal to the Patriot cause.

Mr. Wragg held a number of Patriot captives as prisoners in his manor house. After learning of a social event her father was hosting away from the house, she notified General Marion. She then arranged for all the Tory guards holding sentry to the captives to be invited to the event except one, who stayed to stand guard over the prisoners so all the others could attend the party.

At twilight, Marion’s men stormed the manor house to free the captives. The lone sentry thought at first it was some of the Tory guests returning. By the time he realized who it was, he was surrounded. One of Marion’s men severed his head in one long sweep with his saber. The sentry’s headless body reeled and tottered around before falling to the ground, then fell and writhed like a beheaded chicken. It was a horrible scene to witness. The gory event was often shared by its witnesses in years to follow.

For generations, people have continued to share the story of The Headless Sentry. There are several stories of how his ghost presents himself. The most common is of his headless body on the grounds of Wedgefield Plantation at twilight, where the clattering of horses’ hooves can be heard. Then the ghost appears, writhing around with his headless body. According to witnesses, it is a gruesome sight. Since the construction of the newest manor house, The Headless Sentry is not seen as often as he was in the past, although he still haunts the garden where the former residence once stood. His unmarked grave is said to be located somewhere on the property of Wedgefield Plantation.