Civil War Memorial - Columbia, South Carolina

The Civil War Memorial on the steps of the South Carolina Capital in Columbia, South Carolina

Shots fired at Fort Sumter this morning.. WAR

The 150th Anniversary of the Civil War is here with a bang as the first shots of the war were reenacted this morning in Charleston Harbor.

Here is a great article from Reuters about the festivities!

Wade Hampton - Controversial SC General and Governor

Wade Hampton: Confederate General and South Carolina Governor has always been controversial. More for his post-Civil War politics than his service in the Confederacy, Hampton is someone that most people either love or hate.

His statue sits on the lawn of the capital building in Columbia, SC.

Want to learn more about Hampton?




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The celebration starts.. 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

The 4 year celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War is starting. South Carolina will play a big part in 2011 with a number of events planned around the start of the war with the bombing of Fort Sumpter in April.

The Civil War of course still causes debate. What was the cause? What were they fighting for? Who has the "right" to claim the symbols of the conflict 150 years later.

No matter what your opinions.. it is a chance to remember history which took place close to home.

 (Free book with eyewitness accounts)

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Don't forget the Civil War in 2011

The Sesequential US Civil War Celebration will be starting next year here in South Carolina. The Relic Room and the State Museum are both planning special exhibits and I know there will be a big event to "celebrate" the first shots at Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbor next April.

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St. Michael's Church, Charleston, S.C

St. Michael's Church, Charleston, S.C, originally uploaded by The U.S. National Archives.

Charleston after the war was a haunted place... and many still believe it is!

Read about Fort Sumter- Flashpoint of the Civil War which is located in Charleston Harbor.

Original Caption: St. Michael's Church, Charleston, S.C

U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: NWDNS-111-B-97
From:: Series: Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, (Record Group 111)
Photographer: Brady, Mathew, 1823 (ca.) - 1896
Coverage Dates: ca. 1860 - ca. 1865

Subjects:
American Civil War, 1861-1865
Brady National Photographic Art Gallery (Washington, D.C.)

Persistent URL: http://arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=524516

Rivers Bridge State Historic Park - SC

In a state so associated with the Civil War, it is hard to believe that there were very few major land battles within the state. 

The State of South Carolina only preserves one Civil War battlefield. The Rivers Bridge State Historic park is located in southern Bamberg County. The park combines a memorial area with the preserved battlefield.



The memorial area includes a small Confederate cemetery which contains several graves. It is a very peaceful rest under large oak trees.

Here is one gravestone of a Private who gave his life.



The battlefield portion of the site contains several entrenchments that are in great shape for being 140 years old. If you do visit the park, PLEASE STAY on the trails and off of the fragile earthworks.



Beyond being a Civil War battlefield, the Rivers Bridge SHP is also a great nature area. Along the river at the old bridge site, the river peacefully flows by. Birds can be seen along with a variety of other wildlife.

I recommend a visit to the park when you are in Southeastern South Carolina

To find out more about Rivers Bridge SHP please visit the SC State Parks website .

Educators and others interested in more history about the battle and also the historical site should also visit the National Park Services "Parks as Classrooms" site on RB SHP here

To learn more about the Civil War in South Carolina you might consider the following: