West Ashley in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
On the Edge of an Empire
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
1. On the Edge of an Empire Marker
War between Spain and England ended 10 years before the founding of Charles Towne, but the hatred and mistrust between the two empires remained. In an era of empire building, Charles Towne’s existence directly challenged Spain’s claim on the land they called Chicora. The colonists implored the support of Lord Ashley against the Spanish threat: “We are here settled in the very chaps of the Spaniard . . . ”
Aware of this eminent threat, the settlers prepared themselves for the worst. These earthen fortifications, equipped with 12 cannons, strengthened the already formidable natural defenses of the marsh and river against Spanish naval forces.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 32° 48.112′ N, 79° 58.963′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in West Ashley. Marker can be reached from Old Town Plantation Road. Marker is located on the History Trail at Charles Towne Landing. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston SC 29407, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Trade, Profits and Support (within shouting distance of this marker); A Common Lodging (within shouting distance of this marker); Crime & Punishment: “Tyed to the Usual Tree”
this page online
More about this marker. A picture at the lower left of the marker (illustration by Darby Erd) shows “The Charles Towne fortifications as they might have appeared in 1670.”
The lower right corner of the marker contains a picture of three Spanish ships at sea, image courtesy of the James Ford Bell Library. It has a caption of “In August 1670 the Spanish at St. Augustine sent three ships to attack Charles Towne, but a hurricane drove them away.”
Above this is a map of the coastline from the location of Charles Towne in South Carolina to St. Augustine in Florida. The direction taken by Spanish ships in August 1670 is indicated. The caption reads “Spain had controlled the region between St. Augustine and Santa Elena since the 1560s. With the arrival of the English in
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
2. On the Edge of an Empire Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
3. Marker at Charles Towne Landing
The cannon and fortification can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
4. Fortification and Cannons
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2013
5. Exterior View of the Charles Towne Fortifications
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 503 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
