The Taking of Thomas Heyward
On August 27, 1780, Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, was taken from his Charles Town home by British troops and detained in the Old Exchange Building. Just hours after being arrested, he and twenty-eight other “Ringleaders of the Rebellion” were relocated to a guard ship in the harbor. On September 4, they were transported to St. Augustine, Florida, remaining there for about eleven months until freed in a prisoner exchange.
On August 27, 2016,experience this historic event for yourself through a special reenactment presented by The Charleston Museum, The Powder Magazine and the Old Exchange Building in honor of Thomas Heyward Jr. and his fellow Patriots. The event begins with the raising of her Majesty’s colors by soldiers at the Powder Magazine at 9:45 am. Once orders for the day are received, soldiers will be dispatched to Mr. Heyward’s house where they will remove him from the premises and lead him to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, as a prisoner. The public is welcome to follow the morning’s activities to and from each site, as we “travel back in time” for this historic event!
This event is FREE and open to the public!
AFTERWARD, please join us for
Revolutionary Activities
at the Heyward-Washington House
10 am – 2 pm
Date/Time
08/27/2016, 9:45 am - 10:45 am
Location
The Old Exchange Building
122 E Bay St, Charleston
Charleston , SC 29401