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, 2015, 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. We invite you to participate by following British soldiers from the Old Exchange Building to the Heyward-Washington House and watching as Thomas is taken from his home to the steps of the Exchange. Feel free to observe or join in by dressing in colonial garb, heckling the British soldiers, and shouting your support for independence.



This event is FREE and open to the public!

The Taking of Thomas Heyward will be outdoors and require some walking.
Please dress accordingly.
The event will begin at The Old Exchange Building at 10:00 a.m.

Date/Time

08/27/2015, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location

The Old Exchange Building
122 E Bay St, Charleston
Charleston , SC 29401