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| The Battery - Looking East |
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As we have mentioned, Charleston sits at the tip of a peninsula, bordered on the east by the Cooper River and on the west by the Ashley. To the southeast lies Charleston Harbor with Sullivan's Island protecting the eastern side and
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| Fort Sumter - viewed from the Battery |
little Morris Island and James Island protecting the west. Right off the eastern tip of Morris Island is one of the area's most venerable (and most frequently painted) structures, the Morris Island Lighthouse. A little further in, on the tip of James Island, the old site of Fort Johnson intently watches Fort Sumter off the northeast shore. Built in 1704, Fort Johnson was the site of a number of significent events in the history of our country. In our history classes, most of us studied the infamous "Stamp Acts" and remember that they caused tremendous resentment in the colonies. In South Carolina the outcry was so great that Governor William Bull sent the stamps to Fort Johnson for protection and they remained there until the repeal of the acts by the British Parliament. A hundred fifty or so years later the fort gained infamy when opening shot of the War Between The States was fired at Fort Sumter from its cannons. The tip of the Charleston peninsula once wore a necklace of bleached
oyster shells from
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| The Battery - Looking West |
which it gained the name "White Point". To maintain the integrity of the shoreline, a seawall was constructed that now rings the city and forms what is referred to as "The Battery." The views of the harbor and surrounding islands are spectacular and a walk along the battery is a "must" during a visit to the city. Just inside the perimeter of the Battery is a beautiful park most often known as "Battery Park" but also known as "White Point Park" in recognition of those earlier days. The park contains numerous monuments commemorating events and people from our past. The center of the park now has a beautiful gazebo where musical entertainment is often provided during the summer months. Originally, however, the site had a much more sinister use.
In the early days pirates frequently menaced shipping along the coast so - to serve as a deterrent, many of
those who were captured were hanged in the park and left for days to serve as a warning to anyone who might be contemplating going into the pirating business. The memorials here cover an enormous range of history from a monument to the South Carolina Second Regiment, defenders of Fourt Moultrie prior to and
during the revolution, to a memorial to the submariners of the Confederate submarine the CSS Hunley. to the stark column erected in memory of the brave sailors of the USS Hobson (DMS 26) who lost their lives in a tragic collision at
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| USS Hobson Memorial |
sea in April of 1952. To me, one of the most wonderful features of the park is the beautiful grove of Live Oaks that dominate the landscape. Those magnificent giants with their spreading arms seem to be welcoming us with a big hug. While they are beautiful presently, I have the advantage (or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it...) of knowing what the children fifty or sixty years from now will see. They will see
trees that
are twice as spectacular and whose arms will be reaching down to the ground for those kids to climb upon. You see, those are the trees that welcomed me during my childhood. Sadly, most of them were destroyed or severely damaged by the wrath of Hurricane Hugo so the ones that live there today are a mere shadow of what was - and what will be. But - Charleston has withstood fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. Wars, riots, sieges and pestilence have visited her throughout the years but there is one thing you can bet on and I'll personally guarantee its a safe one. The spirit of this awesome place will never, ever be broken. We're going to head north now and take a look at some of the homes of Charleston. All along the western side of the Battery and extending to Broad Street and beyond are some of the most incredibly beautiful residences in the country. When we come back we'll take a look at some of them and will talk about the history that resides in the shaded gardens and cobbled streets. Put on your walking shoes and come on back. You're gonna love this!! See ya.
oyster shells from 
In the early days pirates frequently menaced shipping along the coast so - to serve as a deterrent, many of 
those who were captured were hanged in the park and left for days to serve as a warning to anyone who might be contemplating going into the pirating business. The memorials here cover an enormous range of history from a monument to the South Carolina Second Regiment, defenders of Fourt Moultrie prior to and 
trees that are twice as spectacular and whose arms will be reaching down to the ground for those kids to climb upon. You see, those are the trees that welcomed me during my childhood. Sadly, most of them were destroyed or severely damaged by the wrath of Hurricane Hugo so the ones that live there today are a mere shadow of what was - and what will be. But - Charleston has withstood fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. Wars, riots, sieges and pestilence have visited her throughout the years but there is one thing you can bet on and I'll personally guarantee its a safe one. The spirit of this awesome place will never, ever be broken. We're going to head north now and take a look at some of the homes of Charleston. All along the western side of the Battery and extending to Broad Street and beyond are some of the most incredibly beautiful residences in the country. When we come back we'll take a look at some of them and will talk about the history that resides in the shaded gardens and cobbled streets. Put on your walking shoes and come on back. You're gonna love this!! See ya.
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