An estimated 375 supporters of the Charleston Museum gathered at scenic Dill Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary owned by the museum located on the Stono River in James Island, SC to devour 30 bushels of oysters and wash them down with locally made adult libations. There was also pulled pork barbecue, coleslaw and baked beans, heavenly doughnuts, live music and lots of laughter.

Charleston Museum Historian Grahame Long escorted a large group of interested folks on a 400 foot walk along the banks of the Stono River to Battery Pringle; an earthen confederate battery measuring 360 feet long with walls ranging from 7 to 12 feet high was named after Confederate Capt. Robert Pringle.

Battery Pringle was constructed in three hot summer months of 1864 by an estimated 4000 barefoot slaves which, according to the Post and Courier news article “was a crucial piece of Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard's Siege Line.”

This mound of rolling hills form the walls of a working fort with a parade ground, gun ports and a parapet fended off ground troops and the U.S. Navy. Today few batteries like this cease to exist today.
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20111109/PC1602/311099929/1205 )


“The Dill Sanctuary – located on James Island contains assorted habitats for wildlife and numerous cultural features including three earthen Confederate batteries and prehistoric, colonial, antebellum, and postbellum archaeological sites. The Dill Sanctuary has been protected for purposes of preservation, wildlife enhancement, research and education, and is used only for Museum-sponsored programs. Habitat has been enhanced by creation of a six-acre wildlife pond, with three nesting islands, which provides a reliable source of fresh water for animals and nesting sites for both migratory and resident birds. 2001 saw the construction of the Dill Education Center and bathroom facilities which hosts Museum education programs.”
Source – http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/about-factsheet