Charleston Arsenal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Porter Military Academy
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The octagonal Waring Library, built by Porter Military Academy, in 2020
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 175-181 Ashley Ave., Charleston, South Carolina |
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| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Architect | Bell, Holten; Snook, John Butler |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Gothic Revival, Octagon Mode |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000685 |
| Added to NRHP | June 21, 1996 |
The Charleston Arsenal was a significant U.S. Army facility located in Charleston, South Carolina. It was taken over by state militia at the start of the American Civil War. Later, on June 21, 1996, this historic site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is known on the Register as Porter Military Academy.
Contents
The Charleston Arsenal: A Historic Site
The Charleston Arsenal was built in 1841. It was located near Ashley Avenue and Mill Street in Charleston. This important site served as a storage place for weapons, military supplies, and ammunition. It was used by the U.S. Army in the years before the Civil War. Another earlier federal arsenal, called the Old Citadel, was no longer used for military purposes. It later became part of The Citadel, a military college. The Charleston Arsenal played a big role in making artillery and small arms ammunition. It produced a lot of these supplies during the Mexican–American War and right up until the Civil War began.
The Civil War and Beyond
In December 1860, South Carolina decided to leave the United States. This event is called secession. After this, the Charleston Arsenal became a target for Charleston's local militia (citizen soldiers). South Carolina troops quickly took control of the arsenal in late December. The Confederates held onto it for most of the Civil War.
A man named Josiah Gorgas oversaw the expansion and modernization of the arsenal. He had steam power installed to improve its operations. For a period, the arsenal buildings were used as barracks. Barracks are buildings where soldiers live. For example, the 26th South Carolina troops stayed there. In 1865, Union troops finally recaptured Charleston. With the city's fall, the arsenal was returned to Union control.
From Academy to University Campus
On July 16, 1866, the U.S. government officially named the 11.26-acre site a Federal Military Reservation. However, the Army closed the arsenal in 1879. The buildings and land were sold in 1888. They were bought by the Porter Military Academy. This academy used the site until it built a new campus. Its new campus was located west of the Ashley River. In 1963, the historic arsenal site became part of the Medical University of South Carolina.
The Waring Historical Library Today
Today, the main building of the former arsenal houses the Waring Historical Library. This library is a special collection for the Medical University of South Carolina. It holds rare books and unique items. The collections include books, journals, and old documents. There are also museum artifacts. All of these items are about the history of health sciences. The library welcomes visitors, but you need to make an appointment first.
The Macaulay Museum of Dental History
Inside the Waring Historical Library, you will also find the Macaulay Museum of Dental History. This museum has a fascinating collection of items related to dentistry. You can see old dental chairs and a traveling dentist's chest. This chest was used by dentists during the Civil War era. The museum is open for tours. You just need to schedule an appointment with the Library.
