This view of the Battery in Charleston, circa 1865, gives a good view of how that city appeared during the war, and how it had prepared for its defense. 

Courtesy of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

Gunboat "Planter" | History of SC Slide Collection
Gunboat "Planter" | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 2

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The gunboat "Planter," seized by an African-American crew and the daring African-American harbor pilot Robert Smalls, did manage to break the federal blockade of the city in May of 1862. Smalls...
Institute Hall | History of SC Slide Collection
Institute Hall | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 4

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The National Democratic nominating convention in session at Institute Hall in Charleston on April 28, 1860. The convention was unable to bridge the differences between northern and southern wings of...