The Battery Wagner held a strategic position in the American civil war, keeping Union ships out of range of Charleston, South Carolina. The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Charleston is an American city located in Charleston County, South Carolina. ...
On July 18, 1863 General Quincy Gilmore began his assault on this island, which blocked off the southern approaches to Charleston Harbor. After a heavy naval and land bombardment, an assault force led by the 54th. Massachusetts, an experimental black regiment of free men from the North went in with fixed bayonets to storm the fort. July 18 is the 199th day (200th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 166 days remaining. ... 1863 is a common year starting on Thursday. ...
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, maintained a field hospital within the range of enemy guns. Famed American nurse Clara Barton, first president of the American Red Cross Clarissa Harlowe Barton (better known as Clara Barton) (December 25, 1821 (although there is a confusion with her date of birth, as her birth certificate says the 25th, while her family members say that she was born the... A WWII-era poster encouraged American women to volunteer for the Red Cross as part of the war effort. ...
After heavy fighting, union troops were ordered to retreat, and left the battery in the hands of the confederates. The Battery was later taken by siege, after withstanding almost constant bombardment for 58 days.
His goal was to capture the Battery and the remainder of the low, sandy, flea infested island (know locally as coffin island due to its use as a Lazzaretto and leper colony prior to the war).
The Swamp Angel Battery behind the island has been preserved.) The island's appearnce now, however, is similar to that it had during the war, low, sandy and covered with scrub growth.
S.C. Artillary, Co. A, their small field artillary, positioned in the dunes beside Wagner, protected the battery's flank and threw cannister fire across the front wall of the Battery.