150th Anniversary of Battles of Fort Wagner and Sol Legare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 150th Anniversary Celebration of The Battle of Sol Legare and The Battle of Battery Wagner at Seashore Farmers’ Lodge Museum and Cultural Center at Sol Legare

JULY 15–JULY 16, 2013 at 1840 Sol Legare Road Charleston, SC

Two years following a massive restoration and in conjunction with the encampment reenactment of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Co. I in anticipation of their first fight at Battle of Ft. Wagner (c. 1863), The Seashore Farmers’ Lodge Museum and Cultural Center invites visitors to join us and view the exhibits, relics and progress on this once dilapidated, century-old structure.

July 15th: Dusk 

Outdoor viewing of the movie “Glory” - Campfire and Weenie Roast, living history, viewing of Glory

July 16th: 10 AM until 5 PM

The all-day event will run from 10-5 and feature a series of reenactments, food and skits; the presentation of an award of merit Ms. Georgette Mayo of the Confederation of SC Local Historical Societies and The Avery Center; and the unveiling of a period piece privy – constructed as a community project by Eagle Scout, Joel Milliken and his troop.

July 14-July 21: 

The Seashore Farmers’ Lodge will be opened to this visiting from all over to hold encampments. For more information on reservations and dates scheduled, please email or call us.

150 years ago, the area now known as The Sol-Legare Community was actually a plantation held by the Solomon Legare Family of Charleston. During the Civil War, (1861-1865) Solomon Legare’s plantation was the site of several camps, artillery positions, and battles. On July 16, 1863, one of America’s first African American Army Regiments organized in the North and was led by Union General Alfred Terry. During the Battle of Sol-Legare, the troops bravely risked their lives to win the freedom of enslaved Africans who were held in bondage there and on numerous plantations throughout the south – 14 men lost their lives, 17 wounded, and 13 missing. The island was a center point to many battles fought in the area and at one point housed 5200 Federal troops. Additionally, the famed 54th Massachusetts Regiment camped on grounds near the Lodge prior to marching down Old Sol-Legare Road to fight at Battery Wagner. The Sol-Legare area is rich with Civil War history and its historical happenings.

The museum opened on April 16, 2011 and focuses on Coastal African American communities at the turn of the century ranging from The Civil War to present. The museum will feature several living history presentations, encampments and be open to the public for the viewing of artifacts. The soldiers will be dressed in period clothing and will conduct several skits and interactive sessions with visitors. The women of the 54th Massachusetts will be on hand as well, dressed in period clothing and hosting stories.

The museum is located off of Folly Road down Sol Legare Road on the right. For more information, please call Hope Brown at 843.437.1259, email: sollegare@gmail.com, or visit our website at sollegare.shutterfly.com.