From Birds to Batteries: An In-depth Ecology and Historical Walking Tour of Battery Pringle


From Birds to Batteries: An In-depth Ecology and Historical Walking Tour of Battery Pringle

Representing the largest area of privately protected land on James Island, the Dill Sanctuary is a 580-acre wildlife refuge rich in historic features. A microcosm of Lowcountry cultural history and ecological diversity, it was the site of three plantations during the colonial and antebellum periods, which used enslaved labor to produce primarily food crops for the Charleston market.  The property also contains four earthen Confederate fortifications that were part of the Civil War defenses of Charleston.

Join Chief of Collections, Jennifer McCormick, and Curator of Natural History, Matthew Gibson, with special guest, Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr. for an in-depth tour of Fort (Battery) Pringle. Along the way, discover birds that call the Dill Sanctuary home and why the Sanctuary is an important stop along migration routes.

Dr. Curry is a direct descendant of Lavinia Corley Thompson, an enslaved cook who, at only 19, was forced to follow her enslaver, Private Samuel G. Webb, into the Confederate Army. They would eventually end up stationed at Battery Pringle in the fall of 1864 where she cooked and served meals. Curry will talk about Lavinia’s early life on the plantation in the Barnwell District, her time serving on the frontline feeding a poorly supplied group of soldiers, and what her life was like after the Civil War.

Please note: this walking tour will be approximately 1.5 miles and is an “off-road” location with steep inclines and unprepared terrain.  Closed toed shoes are required.  Walking shoes/boots are recommended. 

Reservations required.

$40 Museum Members | $55 Non-Members

Register online or call 843.722.2996 ext. 235.

Date/Time

04/22/2023, 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Location

The Dill Sanctuary
1163 Riverland Dr.
Charleston, SC 29412

Ticketing

Bookings are closed for this event.


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