In October 1781, the Battle of Raft Swamp unfolded in North Carolina as part of the broader campaign during the American Revolutionary War. Major General Nathaniel Greene, commanding the Continental Army's southern forces, aimed to disrupt British operations in the region by engaging loyalist troops. The British presence was significant, as they controlled vital supply lines and were attempting to rally support among loyalists. Consequently, Greene’s forces aimed for a strategic victory to reclaim North Carolina for the Patriots.

The conflict took place in the swampy terrain of Raft Swamp, which significantly influenced the battle's tactics and outcome. The confrontation involved predominantly local loyalist militias, who were supported by British regulars. Despite being outnumbered, Greene’s troops utilized their knowledge of the difficult landscape to their advantage, launching surprise attacks and executing guerrilla warfare strategies. The skirmish culminated in a decisive victory for the Patriot forces, which became the last major battle in North Carolina during the war.

In the wake of their success, the Patriot army's morale surged, energizing their cause just days before the critical surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown. The ramifications of this battle extended beyond mere military success; it highlighted the growing effectiveness and determination of the American forces in their fight for independence and underscored the diminishing power of British loyalists in the region. This skirmish has often been overshadowed by the larger events in Virginia but served as a significant moment in the overall trajectory of the Revolutionary War.