Date of Award
5-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Historic Preservation
Committee Chair/Advisor
Wilson, Ashley
Committee Member
Hudgins, Carter
Committee Member
Ward, James
Abstract
Castle Pinckney is one of a few surviving 'castle' style forts. At the time of Castle Pinckney's construction in 1811 these all masonry, circular, casemated fortifications were a revolutionary experiment in military architecture, inspired by the theories of the foremost military engineers in the world. The southern theater of the War of 1812 never materialized, and Castle Pinckney was not called upon to demonstrate its superior tactical capabilities. As military technology progressed during the nineteenth century, Castle Pinckney became increasingly outdated, but its strategic location in Charleston Harbor caused its continued use as an important military post during the Nullification Crisis, the Civil War, and events in between. Today Castle Pinckney is a ruin, but it remains a spectacular cultural, historic, and archeological resource. During nearly a century of neglect, the fort and its surroundings have been reclaimed by nature, whose destructive forces have wreaked havoc on the historic masonry structure. The preservation and interpretation of Castle Pinckney faces significant obstacles: the masonry's instability, the exposed and isolated location of the site, the significant cost of any contemplated work, and many more.
This thesis seeks to dispel the oft-held notion that Castle Pinckney was nothing but an insignificant spectator to the more important events in Charleston Harbor by presenting evidence of the fort's architectural significance as well as its participation in events of local and national importance. After establishing the site's unique historic significance, this thesis will survey the existing conditions of the fort's surviving masonry walls to assess the threats to their stability and provide a substantiated claim for remediation where necessary. Finally, this thesis provides a vision for the future of Castle Pinckney which promotes its potential as a unique cultural heritage tourism site.
Recommended Citation
Weirick, David, "Castle Pinckney: Past, Present, Future" (2012). All Theses. 1361.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/1361