The Battle of Kings Mountain is a military engagement between Patriot and Loyalist militias in South Carolina during the Southern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War, resulting in a decisive victory for the Patriots.

The battle takes place on October 7, 1780 nine miles (fourteen kilometers) south of the present-day town of Kings Mountain, North Carolina in rural Cherokee County, South Carolina, where the Patriot militia defeat the Loyalist militia commanded by British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71st Foot.

Ignoring the participation of Ferguson, the battle has been described as "the war’s largest all-American fight".

Ferguson had arrived in North Carolina in early September 1780 to recruit troops for the Loyalist militia and protect the flank of Lord Cornwallis' main force.

Ferguson issues a challenge to the rebel militias to lay down their arms or suffer the consequences.

In response, the Patriot militias led by Benjamin Cleveland, James Johnston, William Campbell, John Sevier, Joseph McDowell and Isaac Shelby rally for an attack on Ferguson.

Receiving intelligence on the oncoming attack, Ferguson decides to retreat to the safety of Lord Cornwallis' army.

However, the Patriots catch up with the Loyalists at Kings Mountain near the border with South Carolina.

Achieving a complete surprise, the Patriot militiamen attack and surround the Loyalists, inflicting heavy casualties.

After an hour of battle, Ferguson is fatally shot while trying to break the rebel line, after which his men surrender.

Some Patriots give no quarter until the rebel officers re-establish control over their men; they are said to be seeking revenge for alleged killings by Banastre Tarleton's militiamen at the Battle of Waxhaws, under the slogan "Remember Tarleton's Quarter."

Although victorious, the Patriots have to retreat quickly from the area for fear of Cornwallis' advance.

Later they execute nine Loyalist prisoners after a short trial.

The battle is a pivotal moment in the Southern campaign.

The surprising victory of the American patriot militia over the Loyalists comes after a string of rebel defeats at the hands of Lord Cornwallis, and greatly raises the Patriots' morale.

With Ferguson dead and his Loyalist militia destroyed, Cornwallis is forced to abandon his plan to invade North Carolina and retreat into South Carolina.