America 250: Revolution & Constitution, Class 5 - The Battle of Camden - 1779-1780

July 23, 2026
7:00pm - 8:00pm

“All That Can Be Expected: The Battle of Camden and the British High Tide in the South"

The Battle of Camden was one of the worst military defeats in American history. On the heels of the surrender of Charleston, American prospects for victory in the south were never dimmer. This talk will review the events of summer 1780 leading up to the battle and the decisions and field situations that led to a overly confident Horatio Gates fleeing the field.

Instructor Robert Orrison received his Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Preservation at Longwood University and received his Master’s Degree in Public History from George Mason University. Currently Rob serves as the Director for the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation.

Rob also serves on the Board of Directors of the Frontier Culture Museum, Stafford County (VA) Historic Commission and serves as the Past President of the Virginia Association of Museums. His published works include several articles and books focus on the Civil War and the American Revolution including A Want of Vigilance: The Campaign and Battle of Bristoe Station, October 14, 1863; Last Road North: Guide to the Gettysburg Campaign; To Hazard All: Guide to the Maryland Campaign of 1862; The Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Beginning of the American Revolution, April 19, 1775 and All That Can Be Expected: The Battle of Camden and the British High Tide in the South, August 16, 1780.

Rob lives near Fredericksburg, VA with his wife Jamie and sons Carter and Grayson.