This is a five part series that covers batteries in and around Georgetown, SC’s Winyah Bay that are still standing. Early in the war defenses focused on the entrance to the bay. Fortifications were built on North Island, South Island and Cat Island. Only the fort on Cat Island is still there.

Part 1- Cat Island Fort

Later in the war as the Federal navy strengthened, forts at the bay entrance were abandoned and two new batteries were established on opposite shores of Winyah Bay where it narrows to about 1400 yards. On the northern shore was the Fraser’s Point battery now within Hobcaw Barony and

Part 2- Fraser’s Point Battery

on the southern shore Battery White in the gated Belle Isle condominium community.

Part 3- Battery White

Two additional batteries were built along the Waccamaw River, which is one of five rivers that flow into the bay. They were situated to protect rice plantations there from Union naval raids- the Laurel Hill Battery is now within Brookgreen Gardens

Part 4- Laurel Hill Battery

and the Wachesaw Battery is within the gated Wachesaw Plantation.

Part 5- Wachesaw Battery