What We Do
Since the Province of Carolina was chartered in 1663, hundreds of battles representing nearly every regional and national conflict have been fought on South Carolina soil. During the Revolutionary War alone there were more than 250 battles fought throughout the state.
In addition to battlefields, South Carolina possesses a wealth of other historical military sites highlighting the state’s significant contribution to the United State’s military actions around the world.
South Carolina’s military history has contributed greatly to the founding and development of the nation, a tradition her service men and women of the armed forces carry on to this day. We work to protect and preserve this history.
Our Mission
PRESERVATION
We work to protect and preserve battlefields and military historic sites in South Carolina.
INTERPRETATION
Using various techniques, we learn about what we preserve and share those discoveries with the public.
EDUCATION
We undertake archival research and cutting-edge interpretation to bring history to life.
How We're Funded
Much of our research and interpretative work is funded by grants offered to us by organizations with an interest in our work. These grants provide us with the funding to study battles so we can identify where they occurred — and determine what land we should be saving.
We also seek out grants to help us achieve our own goals for preservation and other work.
Locating, Preserving, and Interpreting Battlegrounds
Battlegrounds serve as a reminder of past sacrifices made by countless individuals. To ensure that these sites are protected and preserved for future generations, we use cutting-edge tools that help us find and uncover the hidden remnants of important battles. Some of these tools are described on this page.
As we look for opportunities for preservation, we always employ three tools: archival, anecdotal, and archaeological, otherwise known as the “Holy Trinity” of good research. When preserving battlefields, all three tools need to be employed to ensure we have established the correct historic footprint.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
ARCHIVAL
Consulting
We also offer consulting services when it makes sense to do so. For example, we might be asked to determine whether mounds on a piece of property were War-era earthworks or other battleground remnants.
Unfortunately, however, we don’t have the resources to consult on genealogy — we can’t tell people where to find their distant relative’s war records. We can, however, refer interested genealogists to organizations that can help.
