After arriving in Charleston from Savannah, we went on a van tour of the city. Very interesting to learn some history. The city has suffered its share of tragedies from the defeat of the Civil War, fires that roared through the town, and even an earthquake in 1886. Each time the city would rebuild itself better than before. By the early 1900s the city was thriving. By the 1940s there were strict preservation rules for modifying any original buildings. Charleston was one of the first cities to embrace its history, and not allow for significant changes to existing buildings. Pretty cool to see all the old houses and architecture.

The next day we went to Fort Sumter which is only accessible by boat. We were the first trip of the day out to the Fort, so our group got to be part of the flag raising ceremony, which was very fun. There is something about the respect and rituals of the flag that is really neat to be a part of.

I learned a little more Civil War history — South Carolina decided to secede from the Union in December of 1860, after Lincoln was elected. Confederate troops then issued the first shots of the Civil War on April 12, 1861, when they fired on Fort Sumter, occupied by Federal soldiers. Those soldiers didn’t fight back too much and left the fort. The Confederate army took over the fort and were there for a few years protecting Charleston until the Union army returned in 1862, when they fired on the fort for the next few years doing extensive damage to the fort.

On another subject, I went to a CVS today to get my 2nd COVID booster shot. Once I heard I was eligible for another dose, I went for it. We are around quite a few people and in and out of many places, it seemed like a good thing to take care of, especially since my last dose was in August. Larry is not quite at 4 months out from his booster so will wait a little longer to get his. Also, I mean someone needs to feel good enough tomorrow to drive to Durham, North Carolina! 😉