In the 18th century, rocks and heavy materials were used to fortify the shore of the Cooper River. In 1838, this area of the Battery, known as High Battery, became a promenade.
Before becoming a park, Fort Broughton (ca. 1735) and Fort Wilkins (during the American Revolution and War of 1812) occupied White or Oyster Point, so named because of the piles of bleached oyster shells on the point. This site is now known as White Point Garden(s) and boasts many large oak trees, a bandstand, a few memorials, and pieces of artillery, some of which were used during the United States Civil War.