We are looking forward to our CSETAC Annual Meeting to be held April 19th – 21st at Fort Johnson. This area overlooking the Charleston Harbor was originally utilized by the Kusso (now known as the Edisto Natchez-Kusso) and Sewee Tribes prior to colonization. Since the early 18th century, Ft. Johnson has been involved in both the American Revolution and Civil War. Originally named after Sir Nathaniel Johnson, Proprietary Governor of the Carolinas, Ft. Johnson was the site where the South Carolina flag was first raised in 1775. In April 1861, a signal shot fired from Ft. Johnson by confederate rebels began the bombardment of Fort Sumter, thus beginning the American Civil War. The magazine was buried following the Civil War but unearthed in 1931 and remains on site as a historical marker . The Marshlands House is another historical marker on Ft. Johnson. This plantation home, originally built in 1810, was used by Union soldiers from 1861-1865 as headquarters for the United States Sanitary Commission. In 1961, the house was relocated from its original location up the Cooper River to Ft. Johnson.
One quick walk around the Ft. Johnson area would include these historical markers and beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. If you’re lucky, you might see some of our local dolphins swimming by!
As of 1970, Ft. Johnson is owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and houses the SCDNR Marine Resources Research Institute (MRRI), the College of Charleston’s Grice Marine Laboratory, and NOAA’s Hollings Marine Laboratory. Collaborative environmental research is encouraged in this space, and we look forward to having our meeting at the MRRI facilities (shown above, with a map of Ft. Johnson below).
PARKING: Meeting attendees can park in the NOAA CCEHBR (P1), or NOAA Hollings Marine Laboratory lots (P2, P3). A shuttle van will be in operation in the morning and at the end of the day on Thursday and Friday in case anyone needs or would prefer a lift rather than walking (0.2 – 0.3 mi, or 3-5 minute walk). Vehicles will not be allowed past the fork right before the MRRI building (shown as red x on map below).
On Saturday, April 22nd, SC DNR will be having a free open house opportunity to tour their facilities and meet some of the scientists at the MRRI. Click here for more information!
Beyond Ft. Johnson, there is much to do in the Charleston area! We hope you have time to adventure beyond the meeting space and enjoy your time in Charleston. Some things worth highlighting include:
Beaches
Folly Beach (closest to Ft. Johnson)
Sullivans Island
Isle of Palms
Downtown Charleston
Shop local at the Charleston City Market along Market Street
Walk around The French Quarter and view the colorful historical homes of Rainbow Row
View the Harbor and walk along Charleston's seawall at The Battery
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
Catch some crabs with Causal Crabbing with Tia
Visit the Center for Birds of Prey
Check out some local breweries and bars including Edmunds Oast, Palmetto Brewing Co., Revelry Brewing Co., The Brewlab, Cooper River Brewing , The Recovery Room Tavern, Charleston Beer Works, Bay Street Biergarten, and many others
Mount Pleasant
Walk across the Arthur J. Ravenel Bridge (2.7 miles)
Dine at Shem Creek waterfront
Visit the USS YORKTOWN at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Fish from the Harbor at Memorial Waterfront Park
Lastly, Charleston is known for great food and restaurants. During our meeting, we will have an informal social on Wednesday at Bohemian Bull and a CSETAC Dinner Social on Thursday at Fam's Brewery and Pizzeria.
Photo credits: Colin Perkins-Taylor (College of Charleston), and SCDNR