A Battle or a Land Grab?

First, let’s get caught up.

Kilkenny Creek

Golden Ours and Exhale traveled together to a rustic gem. The Kilkenny Marina is one of our favorite spots in Georgia.  A few hours (by water) south of Savannah, it’s a quiet little haven, surrounded by magnificent trees. Thanks, Golden Ours, for joining us.

Triple Vision

And then there were three. Hello Chapter Four! NP45, Holly and Dave Lubs are celebrating a full year on the water. We waved hello as we passed by the Isle of Hope in Georgia, another great stop from prior journeys.

Hilton Head – Finally reunited with Tonto’s Reward

It was sooo great to finally reconnect with David and Gail.  Golden Ours, Exhale, and Tonto’s Reward docked next to each other at Hilton Head. Resort Shopping by the women meant all three men got something new – lucky boys.

Beaufort, South Carolina

This city with a view is pronounced “Biewfurt”. It is absolutely one of our very favorite stops along the east coast of the US, with unique small shops, wonderful restaurants, and a walking trail along the coast that is spectacular.  The historic homes are beyond comparison.

Rick’s favorite meal is the lamb shank at Old Bull Tavern in historic downtown Beaufort.  Reservations are a must, so plan ahead and don’t miss out!

Yes, Craig Adford, that’s an old fashioned in Rick’s hands.

Port Royal, South Carolina

Now for the promised history lesson.

The Battle of Port Royal was the largest naval engagement ever fought in American waters. 

On November 7, 1861, a Union naval squadron under the command of Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont sailed into Port Royal Sound and captured Hilton Head Island on the west and Ft. Beauregard on the east side of the sound.  

A deeper dive into history makes me wonder why it was called a “battle”- since the sheer numbers would imply it was more of an aggressive invasion, a seizure, or a scandalous land grab of the waterfront property. 

Visualize this:

The naval maneuver from Union forces, including Du Pont’s squadron, consisted of seventeen warships, and thirty-three transports, carrying approximately 12,000 soldiers.

In defense, the only Confederate naval presence in the area comprised of a converted river steamer, and three tugs, each armed with two or three guns. Yep, you read that right.

On land, Fort Beauregard was armed with twenty cannon and roughly 640 Confederate soldiers. Across the sound, Fort Walker was armed with twenty-three guns (with limited range), and roughly 1,600 men – mostly plantation farmers with no training.

Thankfully, the battle lasted only 5 hours before the woefully outnumbered Confederate soldiers threw in the towel.  Horribly overpowered and outnumbered, it is surprising that the casualties were not greater; the Union squadron casualties counted eight dead and twenty-three wounded. Confederate losses totaled eleven dead and forty-eight wounded.

Today, Port Royal is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.  If you have time for a tour, it is well worth the visit.

Milestones: Birthday: May 2, Celeste Amish

Next Up:  Charleston