James Island | Palmetto Places

Stand where the first shot of the Civil War was fired. Walk along a street of slave cabins and learn about sweetgrass, a native swamp reed that some lowcountry African Americans use to weave one-of-a-kind baskets. Later, hear a firsthand account about the attack on Charleston Harbor, then take a boat to the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Closed captioning has been provided for this broadcast program.

James Island
Episode 1

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James Island was first established as “Jamestown” in 1671. In the early 1700s, an Anglican parish was established here, but rebelling Scottish Presbyterians branched off and formed their own...
James Island
Episode 2

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Before the Civil War, James Island was known for its wealth due to the growth of sea-island cotton. Many of the homes on James Island from the antebellum period have disappeared, but one structure...
James Island
Episode 3

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Several acres of the land around McLeod Plantation, once worked by African American slaves, are now dedicated to preserving a timeless African-American craft: sweet-grass basket making.
James Island
Episode 4

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The 54th Massachusetts infantry made their legendary charge at Battery Wagner on Morris Island, on July 18, 1863. Civil War re-enactor, Quartermaster Sergeant George Hughes, recalls that famous date...
James Island
Episode 5

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Marking the location where the suicidal charge at Battery Wagner took place, stands the Morris Island Lighthouse. Joanna angle discusses the history of this old, historic lighthouse.