150th Anniversary of the Attack on Battery Wagner

As has been noted earlier this month, there were three pivotal Civil War battles in July 1863: Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and the Campaign for Charleston. 

The Civil War Trust has a website dedicated to exploration of the Attack on Battery Wagner of Morris Island, a key component of the Campaign for Charleston.  Learn about the 54th Massachusetts and other Federal troops who charged Battery Wagner on July 18, 1863.  View the battle maps.  Look at period photographs of the engagement and its aftermath.  Take a quiz on your knowledge of the United States Colored Troops. Read an excerpt from Gate of Hell by Beaufort's own, Dr. Stephen Wise about the Swamp Angel, a rifled artillery piece that bombarded the City of Charleston.

Under the auspices of the Beaufort County Historical Society, Dr. Wise and Dr. Larry Rowland are presenting a free lecture on "The Campaign for Charleston" - and the role that Beaufort District played in that campaign - on Thurs., July 18th - the actual 150th Anniversary of the Assault on Battery Wagner - at the USC-B Performing Arts Center at 7 pm. Do make plans to attend.  (We'll be there - with some of our historical Civil War treasures - and to share plans of our "One County Reads the Civil War" project coming in September!) 

Please note: The Library System has plenty of copies of Gate of Hell to share!  Check out a copy from our branch local history sections today.  Of course, if you want your own personal copy, it is my understanding that Dr. Wise will be autographing his work that evening.