February’s SINHG Evening Program will bring noted historian, Dr. Stephen Wise, to the Lake House on Thursday evening, February 13, at 7:30 pm for a presentation on a key battle for control of Charleston Harbor during the Civil War. Dr. Wise’s discussion will focus on what became known as the Siege Of Charleston, as Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Morris Island and Fort Wagner at the mouth of Charleston Harbor.
Although Union forces successfully reduced Fort Wagner to rubble, Fort Sumter, the harbor and Charleston itself would remain under Confederate control until the end of the war, when William Sherman’s forces marched through South Carolina in 1865.
Dr. Wise, who serves as the director of the museum of the U.S. Marine Corps at Parris Island and teaches history at USC Beaufort, has written extensively about the history of the War Between The States in South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union. His book “The Gate Of Hell: The Campaign For Charleston Harbor” was named the best book of state history by the South Carolina Historical Society. He is a frequent lecturer and historical adviser for The History Channel, The Discovery Channel and for public television, and has led several SINHG Trips to Morris Island in past years.
All Seabrook Island residents and guests are invited to attend. There is a $5 charge for non-SINHG members. Pre-registration for the program is available at sinhg.org.
-Submitted by Norm Powers, for SINHG