Dicey Langston Springfield was born in Laurens County, SC, in 1766. After Charleston fell to the British (May 1780) the state plunged into a gruesome civil war between defenders of American liberty and those who fought to keep the thirteen colonies under British control. During this time, Dicey risked her life more than once. She sought to defeat the Tories and defend her family.
Dicey Langston Springfield is the most celebrated South Carolina woman of the American Revolution. Her daring deeds have been told and re-told in print, drama, and song. Americans from South Carolina to California celebrate her.
The only women who qualify for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution are those who prove their lineage goes back to a Continental soldier or a patriot militiaman. Over two hundred and twenty DAR members proudly point to a patriot ancestress, not a man from whom they are descended. That ancestress is Dicey Langston Springfield.
In 2022, I released an academic article about Dicey. It is “Laodicea “Dicey” Langston Springfield: SC Revolutionary Heroine.” I thoroughly researched Dicey’s life, and it passed peer review. It’s not too long and includes images & photos. You can find it at the website for South Carolina’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Go to https://www.southcarolina250.com/publications/.
The Palmetto State is already celebrating the 250th anniversary of the war that birthed our independence. The Dicey article serves as an example of academic research, which is one component of the celebration. South Carolina’s festivities will include much more. Check out the 250th commission’s site at southcarolina250.com and my article at southcarolina250.com/publications.
