Jeremiah Vereen: The South Carolina Patriot Born and Died on the 4th of July

SOUTH CAROLINA — For many families across the Palmetto State, Independence Day carries personal meaning, but few can match the poignant legacy of Jeremiah Vereen, a Revolutionary War patriot who was both born and died on the Fourth of July.

Jeremiah Vereen Sr. was born on July 4, 1748, and passed away exactly 60 years later on July 4, 1808. His life—and death—has become an enduring symbol of South Carolina’s role in America’s founding. A soldier in the Revolutionary War, Vereen built a plantation near what is now Myrtle Beach, raised a family, and helped shape early American life in the region.

A Connection to George Washington’s Southern Tour

In April 1791, during his Southern Tour, President George Washington spent the night at the Vereen plantation. According to historic accounts, Washington recorded in his diary that he was “entertained (very kindly) without being able to make compensation.” The following day, Vereen guided the president across what was then known as Lewis Swash, now Singleton Swash, and escorted him to the shores of what we now call Long Bay in Myrtle Beach.

This visit by the nation’s first president forever tied the Vereen family to a foundational moment in U.S. history—and turned their land into sacred ground for descendants and historians alike.

A Legacy Preserved in Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Today, that very land is preserved as the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, a scenic area rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Located in Horry County, the gardens feature boardwalks through marshes, nature trails, and historical markers that commemorate the family’s contributions to early American society.

One prominent plaque marks Jeremiah Vereen’s grave, identifying him as a sergeant colonel in McDonald’s Regiment during the Revolutionary War. Another marker highlights the pivotal visit by President Washington and the historical significance of Vereen’s assistance.

Generations of Heritage Carved in Stone

The Vereen family legacy is also enshrined on a towering stone memorial listing generations of family members going back to Susanne Horry and Jacques Varin in the 1600s. The engraving traces the lineage through multiple generations of Vereens, detailing their births, marriages, and roles in shaping local life—culminating in Jeremiah Vereen, his wife Susanne Blanchard, and their descendants.

For many descendants, the site is more than historical—it’s personal.

Remembering the Man, the Date, and the Meaning

On this year’s Fourth of July, one of Jeremiah Vereen’s descendants, Amy (@20th_Centurygal), took to social media to reflect on his legacy. “When I walk that land today, I don’t feel like a visitor, I feel like I’ve come home,” she wrote. “We carry his story with pride.”

The story of a patriot born on the Fourth of July, who fought for his country’s independence and died on the same symbolic date, reminds South Carolinians of the enduring bonds between personal history and national freedom.

A Lasting Reminder for the Palmetto State

For visitors, the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens offer more than just a walk through marshland—they provide a living connection to America’s founding, and to a man whose life encapsulated the revolutionary spirit of his era.

On each Independence Day, as fireworks light the sky and families gather to celebrate, the story of Jeremiah Vereen stands as a powerful reminder that freedom is forged not just in battle—but in legacy.

What do you think about the legacy of Jeremiah Vereen? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com. Your voice keeps our shared history alive.