(CODE: 2OFFWALK), Click here to Learn more about charleston history tour, Click here to Learn more about charleston’s alleys and hidden passages, Click here to Learn more about private walking tour, Click here to Learn more about combo discounts, Click here to Learn more about gift certificates, Click here to Learn more about view all tours, Click here to Learn more about meet our guides. Fort Moultrie. Charleston in 1861 was a straggling town of about 1,500 people. (CODE: 2OFFWALK). The American Civil War — though it only lasted from 1861 to 1865 — marked the nation and shaped it in ways we still feel to this day. The best way to visit Fort Sumter… is to visit Fort Sumter. You can get a peek-a-boo view of Fort Wagner from here. In use from the Revolutionary War to World War II, was occupied by Maj. Robert Anderson and his Union troops before they moved to Fort Sumter in 1860. On April 21, hoping to preserve his army, Lincoln offered to surrender the city if his men were allowed to leave unharmed. On November 15th 1860 Colonel Gardner was relieved of command and sent to a post in Texas. During both battles, the Union Army tried to capture the fort — but failed miserably. With General Lincoln’s surrender, an entire American army of roughly 5,000 men ceased to exist. Throughout the Civil War, the Citadel’s trainees supported the Confederate Army. Charleston was badly damaged by the Union Army during the Civil War. Long feared as a target for foreign invasion, the Charleston harbor was ringed with a series of forts, bastions, and floating batteries to protect it from an enemy fleet. Preserve 108 Acres of the Most Important Unprotected Battlefield Land, Save 40 Acres of the American Revolution Southern Theater, Kentuckians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation, Virginians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation, British Strategy in the Revolutionary War, The Southern Theater of the American Revolution. The memorial contains four plaques; one of them reads: In Memory of the thirty-two thousand soldiers, sailors and marines, contributed by West Virginia to the service of the Union during the Civil War… Over 200 tables of Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, old coins and newspapers, artwork, metal detectors, books, and more will be on display to the public. It wasn’t long after that the Union Army began using longer-range artillery — leading to the eventual downfall of the Confederacy. The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education. MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - The Lowcountry Civil War and Artifact Show opened Saturday for its 25th consecutive year in the Charleston area. In the late stages of the Civil War, … (American, 19th Century) C.S.S. The delegates reassembled in St. Andrews Hall in Charleston and the next day at Institute Hall on Meeting Street (known as Secession Hall). By Roy Bird Cook. Palmetto Reinforcements on the Channel Side of Fort Sumter - Charleston, SC, 1865 518. The Union Army eventually took Charleston only a few months before the official end to the Civil War. BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! Historic Hunley Submarine and interactive museum is the Charleston's area top attraction and learning center. Fort Moultrie was where to H.L. The race track in question was the Washington Race Course and Jockey Club in Charleston, South Carolina. You can tour the campus and explore its precisely manicured grounds. Sailing for Savannah, Georgia, Clinton planned to rendezvous with a force commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost and march overland to Charleston, South Carolina. Castle Pinckney is still in Charleston, located on Shutes Folly Island. Both Secession Hall and St. Andrews Hall were destroyed during the Civil War. Charleston was badly damaged by the Union Army during the Civil War. Hunley was launched (aka the first successful submarine attack in history). The Union soldiers burnt much of Charleston. The first shots were fired 9 January 1861 by Citadel cadets on a merchant ship taking supplies to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.The April 1861 bombardment of Fort Sumtercaused the official start of the Civil War. This vote took place during the Secession Convention and was the direct result of Abraham Lincoln’s victory in the 1860 presidential election. The Abolitionist movement in the United States had roots in the Declaration of Independence. Charleston played a major part in the war. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Confederate Charleston: An Illustrated History of the City and the People During the Civil War In the four years that followed, tumult, anxiety, and loss permeated the city. Gate of Hell: Campaign for Charleston Harbor, 1863 $21.95. All 475. The H.L. It’s no surprise that the war ended only mere months after the Union forces took control of Charleston. The Charleston area first experienced Civil War hostilities during the September 1861 campaign that culminated in a Union victory at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry on the Gauley River in Nicholas County. St. Lawrence and the Confederate privateer, C.S.S. Hunley. The Siege of Charleston 1861-1865 $19.95. The post office was known as Kanawha Court House until 1879. School Groups and Private Tours available for this incredible Civil War era attraction. On December 20, 1860, the South Carolina General Assembly made the state the first to ever secede from the Union. The Charleston-based military academy provided both military and artillery support to the South. 477. South Carolina provided many troops for the Confederacy. In March 1780, Clinton, Prevost, and General Charles Lord Cornwallis, whose force had accompanied Clinton from New York, descended on Charleston. Try Prime Hello, Sign in Account & Lists Account Sign in Account & Lists Returns & Orders Try Prime Cart. An important Confederate port during the Civil War, Charleston withstood a long siege by Union forces until its surrender on Feb. 18, 1865. South Carolina saw this vote as a direct threat to slave owners’ rights in the South. Many visitors to Charleston don’t consider the Citadel a tourist attraction. The Old Market House (188 Meeting Street) - Charleston, SC, 1865 . Secessionville was what the city called the modern-day area of James Island. Click here to BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! The Union soldiers burnt much of Charleston. Two important battles took place at Fort Wagner. This was the first catalyst of the first shots fired during the Civil War. Petrel and U.S.S. Sailing for Savannah, Georgia, Clinton planned to rendezvous with a force commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost and march overland to Charleston, South Carolina. In 1865, General Sherman’s march through South Carolina forced even more troops out of Charleston. The noose only grew tighter as more British forces converged on the Charleston area and began to bombard the Americans’ hastily prepared defensive works. Knowing the president elect’s position on slavery, they decided to secede in defense of states’ rights — and of slavery itself. Charleston's Story Starts Here 360 Meeting Street Downtown Charleston. Abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher made a famous speech here after the end of the Civil War — and it was where he was informed of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. In 1864, the Confederacy demonstrated its ability to enhance technological warfare by attacking the USS Housatonic with a submarine, the H.L. Clinton refused to accept these terms and quickly resumed his artillery bombardment. Palmetto Carriage Works. The only way to visit Fort Sumter is by boat (it’s on an island!). Many southern plantation owners and slave traders feared that the abolition of slavery would result in the financial collapse of the South. On 20 December 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. The area looks like it was ripped right out of “The Notebook.”. To make matters worse for the defenders, British warships successfully ran past Fort Moultrie at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, further isolating Lincoln’s position by effectively closing off any means of escape or reinforcement. By early April, the combined British forces had successfully trapped the Americans in the beleaguered city. Divisions of the American Battlefield Trust: The American Battlefield Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Despite witnessing so much destruction, Charleston has been able to restore many of its historic structures. Some of the sights and topics we cover on the Charleston Civil War Tour: The beautiful Charleston Waterfront park, and its panoramic view of Ft. Sumter, and in the distance to the other forts that participated in the opening shots of April 12th, 1861.; St. Andrew’s Hall, known as Secession Hall, where South Carolina’s Ordinance of Secession was debated and ratified. Much of what wasn’t destroyed during the war fell after the 1865 earthquake. Top left: Colt 1860 Army revolver. Highway map to locate historic sites in Charleston SC. If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, you can always check out our guide to Fort Sumter and Patriots Point. Despite witnessing so much destruction, Charleston has been able to restore many of its historic structures. Three main forts controlled access to the harbor and the city of Charleston. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union in December, 1860 and was one of the founding members of the Confederacy (February, 1861). Confederates used Fort Moultrie in April 1861 to shell Fort Sumter, and also occupied Fort Moultrie to defend Charleston from a … Company Name: Palmetto Carriage Works. Follow the history of the South Carolina port city of Charleston, which dates back more than 300 years, on a horse-drawn carriage tour. South … In December 1779, the British Commander-in-Chief in America, General Sir Henry Clinton, left New York City with a fleet of ninety troopships, fourteen warships, and more than 13,500 soldiers and sailors. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 53,000 acres in 24 states! The attempt failed, and this was the last attempt made by the Union Army to take Charleston by land. Civil War. Where: 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, near Charleston. Congress banned the African slave-trade in 1808, although slavery grew in new states in the deep south. From the time of the Missouri Compromise in 1820, the defense of slavery, more than tariffs or states rights, was … The forts were commanded by Colonel John Gardner. Today, you can still visit the Historic District of Secessionville on James Island. An important battle took place in this area, where the Union forces tried to take the city of Charleston by land. The American general refused, so Clinton ordered the city bombarded with heated shot. Civil War Tour: This is a unique and informative tour of the Civil War here in Charleston, that goes past the usual facts and figures. The Union was divided along the Mason Dixon Line into the North (free of slaves), and the South, where slavery remained legal. Despite compromises in 1820 and 1… In December 1779, the British Commander-in-Chief in America, General Sir Henry Clinton, left New York City with a fleet of ninety troopships, fourteen warships, and more than 13,500 soldiers and sailors. Much of what wasn’t destroyed during the war fell after the 1865 earthquake. Tour one of our expertly preserved plantations and mansions. 516. Charleston Harbor South Carolina is where the American Civil War started. Volume 23, Number 2 (January 1962), pp. They also allegedly fired the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. Fort Sumter National Monument, commemorating the first shot fired in the Civil War, is located about 3.5 miles (5.5 km) southeast of Charleston, in the bay. Take a ferry to Fort Sumter and stand exactly where the Civil War began. Skip to main content. Confederate defenses of Charleston harbor with rope obstruction 1863-1865. Description: Established in 1972, Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage company in historic Charleston, S.C and the largest in the nation. Hunley wasn’t necessarily considered a success itself — it lost 21 men in its short history — but it was an early example of submarine technology. The docents here can help you understand Charleston’s importance to both the North and the South — as well as the events leading up to the Civil War. Civil War Curiosities $12.99. I an not sure who is now doing these tours under his name but Jack was the one with all the civil war knowledge so buyer beware, this is … Every purchase supports the mission. Phone Number: 843-723-8145. Clinton demanded that Lincoln surrender unconditionally. 153-167. Fort Wagner is located just south of the Fort Sumter National Monument, near Cummings Point. Not only did the Civil War end not long after Charleston’s surrender, but the Civil War began here as well. There is history everywhere so be sure to take time to take it all in. By May 8, only a few yards separated the armies. Your Civil War Charleston experience can include walking tours, harbor tours, visits to historic fortifications, tours of antebellum-era mansions, exclusive curator-lead museum visits, and much more! Donate today to preserve battlefields in America and protect the legacy of our nation’s defining conflicts. American Digger Magazine's Lowcountry Civil War & Artifact Show will be held at the Omar Shriner's Hall in Mt Pleasant, right across the river from Charleston. This was an excellent tour back a couple of years ago, since then Jack Thomson had several health issues and has since passed away. St. Lawrence engaged at Charleston Harbor, circa 1862, unsigned, oil on canvas, 16 x 23-3/4 in; gilt wood and composition frame 24 x 32 in.. As Charleston burned, Lincoln had no choice but to accept the inevitable. The Charleston Mercury would call it a "splendid pyrotechnic exhibition." In Charleston, the grounds of the State House are home to the West Virginia Civil War Memorial. O'Connor House - Charleston, SC, April 1865 . Website: www.palmettocarriageworks.com. Your tax-deductible gift will help us to preserve this irreplaceable twice-hallowed ground at Gaines' Mill and Cold Harbor — forever. If you want to know more about Charleston’s involvement in the Civil War, head to the Charleston Museum. Songs of the Civil War $16.00. The night attack sank the Housatonic, but it also resulted in the loss of the H.L. Over the next two weeks, the British moved closer and closer to the American lines. Save time by seeing the main highlights of the city’s past, including those from the Civil War era, from a comfortable perch as you travel across 30 blocks of the historic district. Customized Charleston Civil War Experience It is our pleasure to help you create your 1 or 2 day itinerary with a variety of exciting options! The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter. The 1860 Secession Convention took place in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina was the first state to vote to secede from the union in 1860. How Well Do You Know the Revolutionary War? But there’s really no reason that you shouldn’t visit this beautiful military academy campus. The Planter was slipping away — much like Charleston as the Civil War dragged into its second year. Visitors stay about 45 minutes on the island, but the boat ride increases the time spent at this attraction. In Charleston, everything from the cobblestones to the iron gates has a story to tell and we pride ourselves on showcasing these historic sites. Note: This painting is a rendering in oil of a popular Civil War era woodblock that represents an engagement between the Union frigate, U.S.S. 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