Fort Broughton (ca. 1735) and Fort Wilkins (during the
American Revolution and
War of 1812) occupied White or Oyster Point, so named because of the piles of bleached oyster shells on the point at the tip of the peninsula. In the 18th century, rocks and heavy materials were used to fortify the shore of the Cooper River on the eastern side of the peninsula. In 1838, this area along the seawall became a promenade. First used as a public park in 1837, the area now known as
White Point Garden became a place for artillery during the
American Civil War. Colleton
Bastion was located near the intersection of Water and Meeting Streets. During the
Siege of Charleston, the British had to contend with Fort Johnson, Broughton's
Battery, Dorrell's Fort, Wilkins' Fort, and Gibbs' Fort (at the foot of King Street). During the
Quasi-War Fort Mechanic (ca. 1795) stood where the current
Edmondston-Alston House is now located. During the Civil War, Battery Ramsay occupied White Point Garden. ==Architecture==