Rediscovering Charleston's Colonial Fortifications

Most of Charleston has been fascinated by the recent discovery of a previously unknown graveyard at the site of the Gaillard Center renovation project. In February and March of this year, a team led by Dr. Eric Poplin, senior archaeologist with Brockington and Associates, unearthed the remains of

Dr. Poplin and the Brockington team

37 individuals who were laid to rest at that site, on the east side of Anson Street, sometime between 1680 and 1740. Many among the community are curious to know more about these people: Who are they? How and when did they die? Why were they interred at this spot–well outside of the “walled city”? Wouldn’t we all like to know the answers to these questions?

Well, now’s your chance to hear the latest conclusions from the experts. The Charleston County Public Library invites the public to a free program on Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, at 6 p.m. CCPL’s public historian, Dr. Nic Butler, will provide a brief overview of this early history of the site on which the Gaillard Center now stands, and then introduce the featured guest, Dr. Eric Poplin, who will describe the discovery and excavation of the bodies. Using photographs and maps, Dr. Poplin will discuss the clues discovered in the graves that inform his conclusions about the dates of the burials and the status of the individuals interred there. We may not have all the answers at this early date in the research process, but we hope to give the public a better understanding of this fascinating discovery in Charleston’s own backyard. So please join us for

“Graves at the Gaillard Center: The Rediscovery of a Forgotten Resting Place”

Charleston County Public Library Auditorium

68 Calhoun Street

Wednesday, May 1st 2013

6:00 p.m.

Due to a death in my family, I regret to announce that tonight’s program on the “Brief History of Broughton’s Battery” has been postponed to Wednesday, May 22th, at 6:00 p.m. I apologize to all our “Walled City” fans for the last-minute change. Thanks for your support–Nic Butler.

A 1739 view of Broughton’s Battery

Please join the Walled City Task Force for an illustrated overview of the history of Broughton’s Battery, a substantial brick fortification that stood at the south end of Church Street, in what is now White Point Garden, between 1737 and 1784. Although it guarded the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers for less than half a century, its history is relatively well documented among the surviving records of South Carolina’s colonial government. Beginning with the design, construction, and namesake of Broughton’s Battery, we’ll discuss its armament, strategic importance, and several interesting episodes in its history. Demolished by order of the City of Charleston in the summer of 1784, this battery represents a significant part of our city’s military heritage and deserves better recognition. If you’ve stood next to the St. Jasper statute in White Point Garden and admired the scenic view of the harbor, then you’ve stood on the historic ramparts of Broughton’s Battery!

“A Brief History of Broughton’s Battery, 1736–1784“

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

2nd Floor Classroom,

Charleston County Public Library

68 Calhoun Street