"South Carolina Goes to War"

“South Carolina Goes to War” is the theme of the fall 2006 Daniel Library Friends book and lecture series.

Created in 1996, The Daniel Library Friends’ book and lecture series is responsible for bringing many noted authors and lecturers to the college and tri-county community. All programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments are served and many events include book-signing opportunities.

Lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. in Bond Hall Room 165 unless otherwise noted. Some events require registration.

Most of this year’s lectures will focus on how South Carolina, in particular Charleston, got involved in the Civil War, what happened in terms of troop movements, battles, people caught behind the lines, and finally the leaders, both Confederate and Union who determined the course of the Civil War in South Carolina.  

“It is surprising, but the Civil War still resonates with Charlestonians and Citadel alumni. Many Charlestonians have grandparents who fought in the war or lost life and land in the war. It still informs how we think of ourselves and our past,” said Angie LeClercq, Director of The Citadel’s Daniel Library and Daniel Library Friends coordinator. “The South experienced the destructive effects of war including pillage, plunder, deaths, and women and children caught behind the lines. For African Americans the war brought freedom. For all of these reasons, and especially when our country is engaged as it is in war, our own experience with the Civil War is germane to a military school.”

Dr. Scott Poole of the College of Charleston and author of “South Carolina’s Civil War, A Narrative History”will address the causes of the Civil War, the election of Lincoln, and the Secession Convention.

Dr. Kyle Sinisi, associate professor of History at The Citadel, will set the stage for the battle for Charleston, describing the defenses of the city, its position and the key leaders including Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, Editor Robert Barnwell Rhett, and Maj. Robert Anderson.

Rick Hatcher, the historian for the Fort Sumter National Monument, will describe the momentous action of April 1861 with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. Hatcher is known nationally for his work at Fort Sumter. 

Dr. Rod Andrew of Clemson University will trace Hampton’s attitudes to war and secession with attention to his defense of Columbia in 1865. Hampton was the highest ranking Confederate general from South Carolina.

On the banks of the Back River, Medway Plantationis especially beautiful in fall. Call 843-953-7691 for reservations. Cost: $60 per person. Limit of 50 people. Leaving The Citadel at 3 p.m.

Dr. Stephen Wise, director of the Museum at Parris Island and author of “Gate of Hell: The Campaign for Charleston Harbor 1863,” will address the blockade of the harbor by the Union squadron under Rear Adm. John A. Dahlgren, and the attack on Morris Island in 1863 – a crucial battle for Charleston since it was the South’s premier blockade running port, and the Union invested time and money in its bombardments of the city.  

Angie LeClercq, Director of the Daniel Library, will take you on an arm chair tour of Castle gardens in Scotland and England with visits to Culzean, Threave, Kinross, Drummond, Newby and Levens castle gardens. Book signing.

Famed Civil War artist Mort Künstler will talk about his famous paintings, highlighting the essentials that make these dramatic events lifelike. Reception and book signing.