Morris Island, Historical island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Morris Island is an 840-acre expanse of sand and marshland at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, reachable only by boat. Coastal erosion has swept away most traces of the original Civil War fortifications that once stood here.
The first shots of the American Civil War erupted here in 1861 when Citadel cadets fired on a supply ship. The island then became a center of intense fighting and held thousands of prisoners during the conflict.
The place holds deep meaning for people connected to African American military history and the struggle for equal rights. Visitors walking here today are treading on ground that changed how people understood courage and sacrifice.
The island is exposed to wind and sun with limited shelter, so visitors should prepare accordingly. Bring fresh water and protection from the sun, as the place has few facilities or amenities.
During the war, 600 captured officers were held here and used as human shields against artillery fire. This brutal tactic was rare and remains one of the darkest chapters of what happened on this soil.
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