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June 5, 1781: Mayham Tower built in Augusta to overcome British Army

Staff Writer
Augusta Chronicle
A reenactment of the American Revolution.

JUNE 5, 1781

A British force under Lt. Col. Thomas Brown surrendered in Augusta, thanks to to some American ingenuity.

Although the Redcoat stronghold Fort Cornwallis near the site of today's St. Paul's Church was stout, the British found their position vulnerable after the Americans led by Gen. Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee constructed the so-called Mayham Tower from which to shoot down into the fort with a cannon.

With no place to hide inside their own fortifications, the Redcoats surrendered, although they were granted a day's delay to avoid surrendering on King George III's birthday.

By taking control of Fort Cornwallis, the Americans not only captured Augusta, but also boosted morale of Georgia and South Carolina Patriots.