BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service is launching its “History in Your Backyard” series.
Events begin Friday, Jan. 19, with a 5:30 p.m. lecture at Goose Creek City Hall, followed by a tour on Jan. 20 of Battery Warren located on the Santee River.
The lecture is by Robert Pasquill, a former archeologist and author with the U.S. Forest Service. He will speak on Battery Warren and the Santee Light Artillery.
Using Civil War photographs and maps, his PowerPoint program explains the role that Battery Warren and the Santee Light Artillery played. The Santee Light Artillery was one of several companies tasked with the defense of the South Carolina coastline between Charleston and Georgetown.
Their primary assignment was to keep the federal Navy from ascending the Santee River and destroying the vital Northeastern Railroad bridge over the Santee River. The program also explains the strategy of the federal Navy to blockade Southern ports and to destroy the rice grown along the Santee that was feeding the Confederacy. Period photographs show the types of cannon used and the types of gunboats attempting the ascent of the shallow and winding Santee River.
The program concludes with a review of the past research on Battery Warren and the efforts of the Francis Marion National Forest to preserve, maintain and interpret this wonderful historic site for the public, and recognizing some of the local volunteers that assist the National Forest in this work.
Pasquill will lead a guided a tour to the earthworks, still standing in the Francis Marion Forest, the morning of Jan. 20. Tours will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
A living history encampment featuring local Union and Confederate re-enactors will be stationed at the mouth of the trail from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Moderate walking is required, but there will be a passenger truck for those with mobility concerns. These events are free of charge, and availability is first-come, first-serve.
Jan. 19–History in Your Backyard “Battery Warren and the Santee Light Artillery.” Free Lecture. Goose Creek City Hall, 5:30 p.m., 519 North Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek, SC 29445.
Jan. 20–History in Your Backyard “Guided Tour of Battery Warren and Encampment.” From Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north toward McClellanville and the intersection of S.C. Highway 45. Turn left at the caution light and drive 10 miles to Honey Hill. Turn right at secondary road 103-S and continue one-half mile to Echaw Road (secondary road 204). Turn onto Echaw Road and go 3 miles to (secondary road 204-A). Turn left and continue one mile to the trailhead. 9 a.m.-4 pm. Guided tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free.
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