Fish Hall Plantation, Barkers Field, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Odd you might think to see an historic marker along side a small community baseball diamond. Must admit as we pulled the car off the road, so did I. I wondered what the story behind Barkers Field was.
A close up of the sign indicates a Confederate Brigadier General named Thomas Fenwick Drayton fought the Battle of Port Royal in this area. The Battle of Port Royal was a decisive battle during The Civil War. 18 Union Warships bombarded the Confederates at Fort Walker. Under the leadership of General Thomas Sherman 13,000 Union soldiers landed on the beach and established an important blockade. This battle was one of the earliest amphibious operations of the war. General Drayton's brother Captain Percival Drayton remained loyal to The United States and fought on the side of the Union forces. He commanded one of those war ships, The Pocahontas. Brother against brother, families pitted against each other made this war so very personal. I can't imagine the heartache within a family; but know throughout history there are many examples of this.
Slightly to the right of the ball diamond along side the road is this fenced area with the above sign. This area had been a large 500 acre Plantation. The land originally given to Col. John Barnwell after The Revolutionary War. Historical research indicates early census's show's cotton was probably the primary crop grown here, as very little livestock appeared on the census. A description of the primary house said it was lordly. I've not seen a picture of it, but one count indicates early pictures of the main house agreed with the description. This was a prosperous plantation which owned 52 slaves according to the 1860 census. Thomas Fenwick Drayton married Emma Catherine Pope, the daughter of the plantations owner. Another account reported General Drayton owned 102 slaves. Perhaps he added his slaves to those already on the plantation after he and Emma married? Perhaps, as often happens there are a few discrepancies in the actual numbers.
This is one of two structures I saw, showing very little left of this once grand plantation. This is the tabby remains of a slaves' cabin, believed to be a fireplace. There's a 2nd one a short distance from this, perhaps 30 feet or so. Given what was learned from other tabby ruins, (Baynard Ruins) I assume it to be a 2nd fireplace. Seems common that 2 slave families were forced to share these cramped quarters.

In some of my research it seemed there is evidence of a building, or parts there off from this plantation still in existence; but as it's behind a gated community here on the Island it's not accessible to the general public. I found this most irritating. There were several items I found, that I believe have markers and structures to see; but the public is not permitted to see them unless on a school tour or a paid scheduled tour. In some cases it seemed the tours are only once in a blue moon; not really a company or on going; but an individual that would schedule it. Hilton Head has the reputation of being snooty, a playground for the rich and famous. While much has been protected environmentally, I personally was put off that only those living behind these gated communities or only those playing golf there for the day had access. (We attempted to see what was left of Fort Walker and were turned away at the gate of one such gated community).

The sign indicates graves were moved from this area to Drayton Cemetery. Apparently at some point the family didn't want slaves graves near their home so set aside land for a cemetery. I read one report that said this wasn't very successful, another indicated the graves were in fact moved. However, I've not yet been able to determine who is buried there. That is to say, are there unmarked burials, or are there headstones in this cemetery? Is there even a sign indicating it's a cemetery? (I've seen a few cases where if you didn't know, you really wouldn't know by looking). I've not found evidence of the burials beyond the statement graves were moved there. If I ever get back to Hilton Head, I'd like to follow up and actually find the cemetery. The Union forces established a Freeman's Village here, the only one known to have been established by The Union forces. When The Union forces came ashore that November day in 1861, many of the slaves joined forces.

Flat Stanley asks, "Traitor or Hero?"

Flat Stanley here with a question, Traitor or Hero?

And now let me tell you a story. Ohio wasn't much more then the western frontier in 1823 when little Roswell Ripley was born. You see Ohio had only become a state in 1803, just 20 years before he was born. Roswell Sabin Ripley was born here, in Worthington Ohio. So this house is really really old. He grew up and attended the U.S. Military Academy and graduated from there in 1843. He served his country and fought in The Mexican-American war from 1846-1848, and received 2 promotions for his efforts.

He was stationed in South Carolina where he met a Southern Belle and got married in 1852. One short year later he resigned to attend to his wives estate in Charleston. He joined our enemy, The Confederacy and fought against us at Fort Sumter when the first shots were fired and The Civil War began. He fought in a series of battles in artillery units; and later in the Infantry under Robert E. Lee. He was wounded in The Bloodiest War, at Antietam in 1862. Though he recovered enough to return to Charleston and once again fight against The United States on the side of The Confederacy.



After the war he lived for 20 years in England, presumably alone as his wife and daughter had left him during The War Years. He returned to New York, where his parents had moved and died there of a stroke. He was not returned to Worthington, the place of his birth for burial. Nor was he buried in New York where he died. He was returned to The South and buried in Magnolia Cemetery.

He was elevated to Brigadier General in The Confederate States of America, quite an honor. He's one of the very few Confederates with a Memorial this far North in Ohio. He fought against his Uncle, James Wolfe Ripley who fought for The Union at Charleston Harbor.

And so, to some he's considered a Hero. He defeated The Union Forces and protected his Charleston. To others, a traitor for he fought against his country and his family.

I've been by this old house a number of times; but only recently noticed the sign and decided I needed to read it. Wow...what a surprise, and what a story. Heartbreaking, his wife and daughter estranged, fighting against his countrymen and his family. Sadly, that happened a great deal during The War Between The States.

So, what do you think; Traitor or Hero?

The topic here perhaps is a bit involved and serious; but what a good way to talk about people standing up for what they believe in, even when it's not easy. How bout a coloring exercise? Color and compare the two flags. Get the maps and see how far it is from Worthington, to Charleston, to England, to New York. Where's Mexico, after all he fought there. Talk about the difficulty of travel in those days vs now. Check out the hidden word puzzle at the bottom.

I'll bet many are surprised to see an Ohio connection to The Civil War, Ohio's pretty far north.

So if you look around and see an old house, take a good look and see if you too can tell a story about it, or the people who lived there.

Until next time, Friday May 7th, Flat Stanley out.

Find the following hidden words:(you should be able to click to enlarge and print)
Civil War
Robert E Lee
Union
Ohio
Mexico
Antietam
Infantry
South Carolina
Charleston
Confederate




If you missed Flat Stanley's First Adventure Here's the link

Look What I'm Packing! Thanks Clara

Getting organized today, I came across this picture.

A red carrying on. A while back I won a contest. I'm a person who's never one to win so was thrilled! Wanted to share with you my prize. I'll be packing this with yarn, water bottle, and book. That's my normal carrying on stuff. My debate is whether or not it will fit below the seat. I never put items up above on the the plane, as I like to have my yarn there. I usually carry a canvas tote; but that means I have to carry it. This has wheels and handle....much better for the back, the sore shoulder, the arthritis etc.

This will be it's maiden voyage. Thanks to Clara. AND....I think I'm gonna buy myself a netbook which will fit nicely in this bag. Then hubby won't complain about me using his computer when we travel. Clara has a wonderful blog, please check it out.
And see ya tomorrow when Flat Stanley will have his 2nd Friday special post for you all. Remember, Friday Fun with Flat Stanley is for everyone, kids, parents, grandparents. PLEASE enjoy.

Walking the Beach, Hilton Island Is., South Carolina

A shot through the Sea Oats, pretty blue sky, white sand..........what could be better? Warmer temps that's what. Though the wind was better on this particular day, and I could walk the beach at Hilton Head without the worry of rain. Though the wind and rain were bothersome and I didn't get a tan while there; I did experience serenity and beauty that I think is probably lacking on a busy sun filled summer day. The views were more wide open without lots of sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and people--leaving me alone with my thoughts to enjoy the true beauty.
It was quite a storm the night before I took this walk, and look at the left-overs from the angry tide. What amazed me is the fact that the Sand Dollars I saw weren't broken. They were smaller then most I've seen on trips to other beaches. I wondered if that was typical for this time of year. I passed along the warning to some folks who started to pick them up. Throughout Hilton Head the effort to protect and preserve nature is paramount. The fines for picking up shells, and seaweed, and other sea creatures is $$$. Even noted in the hotel tourist book.
Yet again, I marveled at this beautiful open, and unbroken shell. I've never seen one in tact before. Always half of it, or pieces parts. Look at the marks in the sand left from the tide. Click to enlarge to really appreciate it.
Sunlight glisening as the tide gently rolls in reflecting it's light and warmth for a lone bird. He/she seems to be on a slightly elevated patch of sand; higher and dryer but keeping a close watch.
Saw quite a few of these Blue Crabs. Really wanted to see one turned over, but didn't; and I certainly wasn't going to mess with Mother Nature and flip one. Wondered if it was more blue on the other side. Look at the in pretty blue claws. As I spotted these creatures they always seemed to be clusters of 2-4.(cropped one so you could see it better) Then there were places that revealed only what was left after something's lunch or dinner. Mother Nature, the food chain, and circle of life all evident.
And I pondered what this was. It looked jelly like. I wondered if the hole was created by human, using the little stick or the stick was thrust in when the tide deposited it; or perhaps the bird who's prints we see. I studied it awhile; but didn't come to any conclusion. What's your best quess?

Hope you enjoyed my exploration of The Beach and all it's beauty here on Hilton Head Island.

**And did you see Flat Stanley and his Friday Fun? It will be an ongoing Summer Series. Get the kids involved and enjoy.