News Summary

Beaufort, SC, is set to create a six-acre park along Battery Creek to honor the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first Black infantry to fight for the Union during the Civil War. The park will serve as a tribute to their bravery and provide an educational hub for the community. City officials aim to incorporate features such as interpretive signs, benches for reflection, and hiking trails. A symposium will also be held to further explore the history of this remarkable regiment, which played a crucial role in U.S. history.

Beaufort, SC to Honor Brave Soldiers with New Park

Exciting news is buzzing around the beautiful city of Beaufort, South Carolina! The city is rolling up its sleeves to create a stunning six-acre park right along *Battery Creek*. This park is set to honor the courageous 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the *first Black infantry* to fight for the Union during the Civil War. How cool is that?

A Space for Reflection and Learning

City officials, led by City Manager Scott Marshall, are committed to making this park not just a piece of land, but a learning hub for everyone who visits. The park will serve as a *living tribute* to the rich history of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers and the experiences of the men who bravely served.

Let’s take a moment to dive into the history of this remarkable regiment. Most of its members were newly freed slaves from local plantations on St. Helena and Lady’s Islands and also from Whale Branch. This fact isn’t just a footnote; it’s a testament to resilience and courage, with around **180,000 men of African descent** answering the call to serve during the Civil War. And it all started with the 1st South!

Shining a Light on History

City Councilman Mitch Mitchell has been a huge advocate for this park, emphasizing Beaufort’s significant role in U.S. history. For him, learning about the achievements of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers was a game-changer, opening his eyes to the richness of this area’s past. He believes that *public acknowledgment* of their contributions is *long overdue* and this park will pave the way for that recognition.

This mighty regiment was formed on August 5, 1862, on St. Simons Island, Georgia, making its debut as the *first Black regiment* to engage in combat—before even the famed 54th Massachusetts regiment, which often gets the credit. President Abraham Lincoln himself acknowledged the success of the 1st South in a letter, which adds to their historical significance.

A Historical Gateway

The future park will be a prominent **gateway on Boundary Street**, situated in an area rich with stories of the past where generations of Black residents were enslaved. The effort to make this park a reality was kicked off by Chris Allen and Ben Hodges, retired Army officers and West Point graduates, who saw the need to celebrate this vital piece of history. Their journey began when Allen stumbled upon a paper by a local student, which sparked a deep interest in the regiment’s legacy.

We can’t forget the brave individuals like Sgt. Prince Rivers and Cpl. Robert Sutton, who were celebrated for their bravery and service. William Bronson, another noteworthy figure buried at Beaufort National Cemetery, was among the very first Black men to enlist in the Union army. These men helped lay the groundwork for future Black units in the U.S. Army, making them true pioneers.

Park Features and Future Plans

So, what can you expect at the park? There’s talk of incorporating educational interpretive signs, tranquil benches for reflection, hiking trails, and possibly a statue that represents these valiant soldiers. It’s going to be a place to remember and learn; an important chapter in the book of American history.

Excitement is building for a symposium to be held by the University of South Carolina’s Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era on April 25-26, 2025. This event will focus on the *1st South Carolina Volunteers*, and will provide further insights into their pivotal role during the Civil War.

Still, details such as specific park features, costs, and the anticipated opening date are in the works. A local committee is actively gathering input, ensuring this park truly reflects the community’s wishes and honors those who served bravely.

As the park project continues to develop, the people of Beaufort are ready to celebrate their past, paving the way for future generations to learn and appreciate the incredible stories from their community.

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Beaufort, SC to Honor Soldiers with New Park