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.

The  palmetto tree (Arecaceae Sabal palmetto) is our state tree and a familiar emblem in South Carolina, adorning our majestic state flag as well as t-shirts, beer bottles, and a myriad of mundane objects. All good South Carolinians know, of course, that the “Palmetto State” honors the palmetto in memory of the events of 28 June 1776, on which date a small number of brave soldiers lodged in an unfinished palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island successfully repulsed a large invasion force of the British Navy. It was the first significant victory for the American “rebels,” a week before the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

Beginning in 1777, the 28th of June has been regularly celebrated in South Carolina (well, mostly in the lowcountry), as “Palmetto Day” or “Carolina Day,” and these commemorations represent a treasured heritage for many in our state. The Palmetto Society (formed in 1777) in conjunction with the South Carolina Historical Society, for example, lead an annual parade down Meeting Street to White Point Garden. The National Park Service staff at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island annually hosts a fun day of educational events at the site of the original battle. Many in our community are unfamiliar with this venerable tradition, however, and thus we feel compelled to help spread the word about this most deserving of anniversaries.

To commemorate the 236th anniversary of Carolina Day, Dr. Nic Butler, public historian at the Charleston County Public Library, will present an illustrated lecture examining the use of palmetto trees in the construction of fortifications on Sullivan’s Island, James Island, and even downtown Charleston, between 1775 and 1780. The public is invited to attend this free program on one (or all!) of the upcoming dates:

The Palmetto Tree:

Defender of South Carolina, 1775–1780.

Saturday, June 22nd 2013 at Noon: Edgar Allan Poe Library, 1921 I’On Avenue, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Tuesday, June 25th 2013 at 6 p.m., James Island Library, 1248 Camp Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Wednesday, June 26th 2013 at 6 p.m., CCPL Auditorium, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401