Can't we do a little more sightseeing?

April 30 – May 7, 2017

Miles Today:  0 NM

Total Miles:  500.4 NM

The first few days after returning to the boat in Charleston, the winds kicked up.  We used the time to do laundry, run a few errands and to see a few more sights before leaving Charleston behind.

McLeod Plantation, James Island, Charleston, SC

McLeod Plantation, established in 1851 - although the property and its cultivation has history dating back to 1671!  This was originally the back of the house, until it was updated.  'Gone with the Wind' influenced many a plantation home's renovation.

The original front of the house, which is now considered the rear!

The McLeod Oak - believed to be more than 600 years old

The original drive up to the house.  The slave quarters are on the right and the cotton fields on the left.  It was important for guests to travel up the drive and see the 'wealth' of the plantation owners.

The original slave quarters. In 1860 the McLeod Plantation had 74 slaves living in 23 dwellings.  Slaves were from Gambia River region of Africa. They were expert horseman and cattle herders and were America's first cowboys!  

Fort Sumter

On April 12, 1861, the first shot of the American Civil War was fired at Fort Sumter. South Carolina had seceded from the Union and the Confederate States Army demanded the United States Army vacate the Fort in Charleston Harbor.  

Bombardment of Fort Sumter by Currier and Ives

Fort Sumter today

Looking toward the City of Charleston.  The remains of the 3-story Officers' Quarters in the foreground.   It is said that during the 2 days of bombardment, the townspeople came down to the harbor to watch, almost as entertainment.  No one would realize it was the beginning of our most brutal war. 

Fort Sumter was built after the War of 1812.  Construction began in 1829 and was still uncompleted by 1861.  A sandbar was created with 70,000 tons of imported New England granite.  The fort was a 5-sided brick structure, with walls 5 feet thick and standing 3-stories tall.

Taking down the colors at sunset.  Visitors are invited to help the Park Ranger with this ceremony.