Victory Day Photo Gallery, Charleston SC
Experience the Winning of the Revolutionary War In the City where it happened at Marion Square!
This year's 242nd Anniversary commemoration of Revolutionary War Victory Day is set for Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Charleston's historic Marion Square. Mark your calendars now! Nationally recognized scholars and historic organizations will refresh your Patriotism.
Last year, on Sunday, December 17, 2023, the Revolutionary War Victory Day reenactment, remembrance, and celebration took place at the Hilton Embassy Suites (Historic Old Citadel) at Marion Square from 12:00 - 3:30 pm. The speakers part of the program featured nationally recognized historians and dignitaries. Many residents and tourists attended this 241st Anniversary of Revolutionary War Victory Day (British named "Evacuation Day") to witness and learn about the British surrender of Charlestown, the lynchpin for Parliament to grant the 13 American colonies their collective, sovereign independence.
Governor Henry McMaster described Victory Day as "… a day of remembering our fallen heroes, reflecting on what it means to be an American, and renewing the spirit of Patriotism that helps strengthen our beloved country"!
Many saw the magnificent US Army 3rd Infantry Regiment Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the famous Washington Light Infantry. British troops (Cornwallis's own 33rd Regiment of Foot, "The Pattern") retired the King's Colours, and the 2nd Regiment South Carolina Continental Line installed the Betsy Ross and Liberty flags to commemorate the new, independent government of the United States. The historic Washington Light Infantry color guard, in their bearskin hats, featured their Eutaw Regimental Flag present at several Revolutionary War battles. The reenactment ceremony was followed by a program of distinguished Revolutionary War speakers and scholars. There was a presentation of the wreaths by the General Francis Marion Chapter of the DAR, the South Carolina Sons of the American Revolution and the Washington Light Infantry, and an honor guard and cannon display by the famous Kingsbury Artillery to honor our first fallen Patriots. The illustrious Charleston Caroling Company, Colonial singers sang authentic "Spirit of '76" and Colonial Christmas carols.
Last year's distinguished speakers included Dr. Vernon Burton (Judge Perry Jr. Distinguished Chair of History and Global Black Studies, Clemson University), Dr. Mary Stockwell (Chair Emeritus of Lourdes University History Department, General Anthony Wayne author), Ms. Carin Bloom (Historic Charleston Foundation, Director of Educational Programs), Commander (Dr.) Erick Nason (2nd South Continentals speaking as General William Moultrie), Washington Light Infantry Commander, Colonel Dale Theiling, Commander Mike Glazier (33rd Regiment of Foot), Pastor Jeffrey Miller (St. Philips Church, Chaplin WLI), and other accomplished guests. Major Tom Weinzierl, Chairman of the Board of the Field Officers of the Fourth Brigade, provided an overview of the Charlestown Marion Square Hornwork Fortress and Augmented Reality Project soon to be ready for visitors. General Marion's Brigade Chapter of the Daughters for the American Revolution, the SC Sons of the American Revolution, and the WLI presented wreaths in honor of our first fallen Patriots and prison ship martyrs. This was followed by a rousing salute. This Family-friendly event had many opportunities for photographs and interactions with reenactors, speakers, and historical organizations.
In previous years, Revolutionary Charleston 250 has been honored to have many distinguished scholar. Esteemed historians Dr. Nic Butler (Charleston's Historian), Katherine Pemberton (Powder Magazine Director), Stuart Bennett (Revolutionary Novelist), and John Slaughter (RevWar NPS Regional Superintendent) have delivered compelling presentations in past commemorations. Mrs. Molly Fortune, Director of the SC Sestercentennial Grants Commission, and the late esteemed historian and Director of the SC Battleground Trust, Mr. Doug Bostic, have been featured. Also previously, Major General Henry Siegling (WLI), Dr. Woody Holton (USC Professor of History and distinguished award-winning RevWar author), Jeff Neale (Curator & Historian Middleton Place), Ms. Katie Hyman (Regent, Rebecca Motte DAR), Dr. Holton Siegling (First Scots Presbyterian), and Mr. Gray Bobo (President- Children of the AR) mesmerized the crowd.
Victory Day is an essential component of the national America 250th Anniversary remembrances of people, places, and events that resulted in America's independence. As the esteemed Governor Henry McMaster commented: "Today's [Victory Day] event, a reenactment of the British withdrawal and installation of the Betsy Ross and Liberty flags marking the birth of the United States, is a source of pride and patriotism for all Americans". The United States Congress has designated Charleston as one of the four America 250 showcase cities during the official anniversary period: 2025-2033.
Come join us in 2024 for a spectacular Revolutionary War Victory Day Commemoration and Celebration on Sunday, December 15 at Marion (Swamp Fox) Square!
Victory Day 2023 was dedicated to the great Patriot who brought back the observance of Charleston's Revolutionary War Victory Day commemoration and celebration:
Major General Henry Siegling.
Historical Background of Victory Day
On December 13, 1782, the besieged British garrison on the Charlestown peninsula requested a cease-fire to march out of Charlestown, unmolested, to their awaiting fleets in the harbor the next day. Their forced evacuation involved more people than those surrendering at Yorktown and was covered by a British armada exceeding ten heavy warships and 140 armed evacuation ships. After 31 months of occupation, the last British Army, south of New York City and north of Saint Augustine, Florida, was escorted to their evacuation ships by General Anthony Wayne's Continental Regiment of light dragoons.
Later in the day, the Southern Continental Army and elected government officials paraded into the city, formally reclaiming South Carolina and the Lower South for the United States. Continental General Nathanael Greene, William Moultrie, and Governor Matthews led the liberation parade. At the conclusion, the duly elected state government, confederated with the United States, was formally installed near Broad and State Streets. After 14 months under siege on the Charlestown peninsula, attrited British occupation forces surrendered their Southern Army Headquarters and left America to their self-rule. A cataclysmic battle and the destruction of Charleston were narrowly avoided. The British withdrawal from Charlestown (British named "Evacuation Day") marked the end of British hostilities in America and the end of the War for American Independence.
Less than two months later, on February 3, 1783, after learning of the final withdrawal of British Forces in the Southern American States, King George III appeared before the British Parliament and agreed to recognize the political Independence of all 13 states of the "United States". After much heated debate, Parliament narrowly approved the peace resolution put before it by a slim 16 votes (9 vote margin). The resolution included granting the United States sovereign independence in exchange for peace with France, Spain, and the Netherlands, while also receiving favorable trade rights. King George shortly thereafter sent a letter to the Continental Congress declaring an end to British hostilities against America that formalized the cease-fire agreement reached in Charlestown between opposing Generals on December 13, 1782.
Victory Day marks the end and the winning of the Revolutionary War. Just as Boston commemorates the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the forced evacuation of British Troops from Boston in 1776 with their annual Patriots' Day marathon and events, Revolutionary Charleston envisions Revolutionary War Victory Day becoming the annual national celebration of the War's successful conclusion. On December 14, 1782, American Independence from Great Britain militarily became an uncontested reality. All regular British occupation forces south of New York City had been driven out of America. The world was turned right side up!
For detailed information about Charleston's and South Carolina's role in the War for American Independence, read "Victory Day - Winning American Independence, The Defeat of the British Southern Strategy" to conquer America available at The Old Exchange, Historic Charleston Foundation, Charleston's Visitors Center, fine bookstores, and Amazon Books on line.
2023 Revolutionary War Victory Day
- Mark your calendars for the most exhilarating Revolutionary War commemoration you have experienced: Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Charleston's Historic Marion Square!
Sponsors, partners and volunteers welcome.
(Professional photography courtesy of Jack Franklin, No part of this website text or photographs may be reproduced without written consent. Many thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Tarbet and www.SouthernCampaign1780.org for professional website development.)