Beaufort National Cemetery – 1989
In May 1987, souvenir hunters using metal detectors on Folly’s Island near Charleston discovered the remains of 19 Union soldiers. The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology identified the remains as members of the 55th Massachusetts Regiment, 54th Massachusetts Regiment and the 1st North Carolina Infantry. The 1989 Memorial Day program at Beaufort National Cemetery featured the reinterment of the 19 Union soldiers missing in action since 1863. The Honor Guard for the service was composed of members of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Company B reenactment group.
The Folly North Archaeological Project
The Charleston Museum hosts a collection of Civil War artifacts recovered by archaeologists from the beach of “Little Folly Island.” Accelerated erosion caused by Hurricane Hugo in September 1989 uncovered a wealth of materials from the Federal presence there during the Civil War. Most were remarkably preserved and now provide a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Union soldiers, including the 55th and 54th Massachusetts, garrisoned on Folly Island. Read more…
