10 Mar Beaufort’s oldest tabby ruin excavated to tell the story of British occupation
March 6, 2022
Press Release
Contact: Maxine Lutz
Beaufort’s oldest tabby ruin excavated to tell the story of British occupation
“The Inevitable Evolution of Fort Frederick,” a Telly Award-winning documentary about the archaeological investigation of ca. Fort Frederick on the grounds of the Naval Hospital will be the topic of Dinner & a Lecture sponsored by Historic Beaufort Foundation at the Verdier House, 801 Bay Street, at 5:30 p.m., March 27th. The story of the excavation oldest tabby structure in South Carolina will be presented by archaeologist/photographer Meg Gaillard of the SC Dept. of Natural Resources Heritage Trust Program.
Fort Frederick was built 1730-1734 as a British stronghold to protect the area from attacks by Native Americans and by the Spanish. It was used as a military base for almost 20 years. Deserted by 1758, it was replaced by Fort Lyttleton on what is now Spanish Point subdivision.
The fort property was subsequently part of the Smith Plantation, or the Old Fort Plantation, which was the campsite for Union Occupation forces, 1861-1865. The three-acre fort site is now owned by SCDNR as part of its Heritage Trust Program.
Meg Gaillard is one of three archaeologists and two property managers who preserve and protect 17 Cultural Heritage Properties across the state (3,668 acres of land). Her primary research is in historical archaeology, ethnography and public interpretation. She holds B.A. degrees in Anthropology and Journalism from the University of South Carolina, an M.A. in Visual Anthropology from the University of Manchester (England.) Funding for the film was provided by SCDNR Heritage Trust, Hampton Wildlife Fund and the SC Humanities Council.
Dinner & a Lecture is a monthly educational series, September – May, sponsored by Historic Beaufort Foundation. Reservations are necessary as seating is limited. A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception begins at 5:30; the program is 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Admission for members is $15/$25 per member/couple. Non-member admission is$20/$30 per person/couple. Call 379-3331 to make reservations. Reservations for Saltus River Grill’s special for lecture ticket-holders may be made by calling Saltus at 379-3474.