There’s Still a “Lot” to Learn

A decade after its founding in 1670, Charles Towne, the capital of England’s Carolina colony, was moved across the Ashley River to Oyster Point on the modern-day Charleston peninsula. Join the park’s historian to explore the reasons behind the seat of government’s relocation and dispel some myths in the process.

Experience the smoke and fire of historic weapons as educators dressed in period attire demonstrate reproduction, 17th-century small arms. Learn why the proprietors of England’s Carolina colony thought that muskets were necessary for Carolina’s defense.

Feel the ground shake beneath your feet and smell the brimstone as the Charles Towne Militia fires replica, 17th-century cannons. This 20-minute program explores the Spanish threat, Charles Towne’s fortifications, and the citizen-soldiers who protected the early colony, before culminating in the firing of one or more of our reproduction great guns.