Charleston Time Machine

In early December 1775, anxiety about food security drove the king’s mariners in Rebellion Road to commit spiteful acts of plunder. Illegal seizures made on both land and sea fueled contempt for royal authority across South Carolina and inspired rebel leaders in Charleston to pursue an increasingly aggressive course, tightening a metaphorical noose around the loyalist sanctuary on Sullivan’s Island.

The return of the sloop-of-war Scorpion to South Carolina in late November 1775 heightened rebel fears of an attack on Charleston, but the warship’s real mission was far less threatening. Rather than heralding the imminent arrival of reinforcements from England, the Scorpion delivered news that enraged the colony’s royal governor, while simultaneously accelerating rebel momentum to drive the king’s ships from Rebellion Road.

Featuring Dr. Nic Butler of the Charleston Time Machine podcast, our latest Listening Booth series celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with short stories exploring Charleston's Revolutionary War history.

Featuring Dr. Nic Butler of the Charleston Time Machine podcast, our latest Listening Booth series celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with short stories exploring Charleston's Revolutionary War history.

Featuring Dr. Nic Butler of the Charleston Time Machine podcast, our latest Listening Booth series celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with short stories exploring Charleston's Revolutionary War history.