American Civil War (1861-1865)

Learn the individual stories of men and women who were involved in major events leading up to, during and after the The Civil War (1861-1865).

The Planter at the Gate, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

An inland planter from Edgefield fears the loss of his way of life as a plantation master. In due time, Thomas Lamar will stand directly in the Union Army’s path to Charleston.
The Planter at the Gate, Part 2
Episode 2

Video

Thomas Lamar farms cotton on the family land granted by the King of England. Thomas’ brother, Charles, makes a bold move to reopen the African slave trade in defiance of a federal ban. Talk of...
The Planter at the Gate, Part 3
Episode 3

Video

South Carolina secedes to join the Confederate States of America. Fort Sumter becomes the flash point for war.
H.L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!

Video

The H.L. Hunley submarine made history during the American Civil War when she became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. In February 1864, the Hunley, under command of Lieutenant...
Columbia, Burning of | South Carolina Public Radio

Audio

"C" is for Columbia, Burning of (February 17-18, 1865). Columbia was in chaos when Mayor Thomas J. Goodwyn surrendered the city. Retreating Confederates set fire to the Charlotte Railroad depot...
Unionists | South Carolina Public Radio

Audio

“U” is for Unionists. Unionists in South Carolina were anti-scessionists and supporters of the federal Union in the decades prior to the Civil War—especially during the Nullification Crisis of the...