Charleston's First Fight: 250th-Anniversary Reenactment/Commemoration of the Battle of Hog Island Creek

Date: 21-23 November 2025
Location: Legare Farms, 2620 Hanscombe Point Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
Facebook Page with Updates: hereCome help us commemorate the 250th-anniversary of the first Revolutionary War engagement in the SC Lowcountry! In November of 1775, the schooner Defence of the SC State Navy engaged in a nearly two-day duel with the Royal Navy sloops-of-war Tamar and Cherokee. The diverse array of participants in this historic battle included: Lord William Campbell (the exiled royal governor), future Napoleonic war hero Elliot Thornbrough, Founding Father William Henry Drayton, and hundreds of sailors, state troops acting as marines, artillerists, and militiamen on land. More info on the historic engagement can be found at this SiteReenactor Details: This will be a full living history weekend held at a 300-year old sea-island farm (the Legares are commemorating their 300th-anniversary owning this family farm!). While we can't recreate a naval battle, we plan to give spectators a snapshot of the tense early months of the conflict in a coastal setting (with a special spotlight on sailors of course!). We will need all early war military and civilian impressions (artillery, cavalry, Crown forces, Patriots). The farm has long been reenactor-friendly/a great place for tacticals, demonstrations, etc. Firewood/water/portalette facilities provided to reenactors. Registration is free/will be open and linked here by the late spring. Relevant sites for living history folks are linked on this special google earth map hereBonus Perks: This event does not interfere with any other major 250th's in the region or battles. Additionally the farm is near to restaurants, downtown Charleston, grocery stores, beaches, and historic sites. John's Island is a true rural gem that hasn't changed much in 300 years! Suggested local sites are linked hereIf you are interested, or if you have questions, please email Benjamin Schaffer (organizer of event) at [email protected]. He will make a newsletter with registration info for units/individuals/vendors soon.