Charleston's new northern town wall, erected in 1745–1746

Charleston’s new northern town wall, erected in 1745–1746

One of the most significant, but little-known chapters in Charleston’s fortification history took place during a protracted war between Britain and Spain (and later France) from 1739 to 1748. Known by various names including the “War of Austrian Succession” and” King George’s War,” the name “War of Jenkins’ Ear” is usually applied to the early, North American and Caribbean phrase of the conflict. By the mid-1730s most South Carolinans realized that a new war with our Spanish neighbors in Florida was inevitable. After dismantling much of Charleston’s fortifications during the peacetime of the early 1730s, however, our colonial legislature was obliged to build a new system of defensive works after Britain declared war against Spain in 1739. You’re invited to join CCPL’s public historian, Dr. Nic Butler, for an illustrated investigation of these hastily-constructed works, and to learn how they represent an important maturing episode in Charleston’s early life as a “walled city.”

Fortifying Charleston during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, 1739-1748

Time: Wednesday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m., 2nd Floor Classroom, Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St., 29401.