As the first publication on its subject matter, and with extensive primary research and archaeological evidence, the impressive history of Castle Pinckney, one of Charleston’s iconic but less often discussed landmarks, is now documented in print. With much of the research coming from resources here at the Library Society, we could not be more pleased to host the author’s launch of their new work, Holding Charleston by the Bridle: Castle Pinckney and the Civil War. Join Authors W. Cliff Roberts and Matthew Locke in celebration of this achievement and to discover more about this little island played an important role in the succession turmoil of 1832 and 1850 that led to the 1861 bombardment of Fort Sumter. Given its importance to America’s history, it is a history long overdue.
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more signed copies, please visit Buxton Books here.
About the Book:
Holding Charleston by the Bridle: Castle Pinckney and the Civil War by Cliff Roberts and Matthew Locke is the first book on the subject, from the fort’s innovative design as part of America’s “Second System” of coastal fortifications to the modern challenges of preserving its weathered brick walls against rising sea levels. The impressive bastion was constructed as a state-of-the-art seacoast fortress on the eve of the War of 1812. President James Monroe and Gens. Winfield Scott, Robert E. Lee, and P. G. T. Beauregard inspected its casemates and barracks. The history of Pinckney is as impressive as its list of visiting VIPs.
On the eve of the Civil War, the London Times informed its readers that Castle Pinckney has “been kept garrisoned, not to protect Charleston from naval attack from the ocean, but to serve as a bridle upon the city.” Located on a marshy island in the center of Charleston’s magnificent harbor, the large cannons on the ramparts of this horseshoe-shaped masonry fort had the ability to command downtown Charleston and the busy wharves along East Bay Street. This inescapable fact made Pinckney an important chess piece in the secession turmoil of 1832 and 1850, and in the months leading up to the 1861 bombardment of Fort Sumter.
About W. Cliff Roberts Jr.:
W. Clifford Roberts is a retired businessman and educator and the co-author of Atlanta’s Fighting 42nd: Joseph Johnston’s “Old Guard” (2020). Cliff was raised outside of Washington, D.C. and has a BA in Southern history from Vanderbilt University (1981) and an MBA from Emory University (1983). An active board member of several historical, preservation, and genealogical associations, Cliff lives with his wife Vicki and dog Hashbrown in downtown Charleston.
About Matthew A. M. Locke:
Matthew Locke was born and educated in London where he worked as an Executive Officer in the British Civil Service. As a passionate student of the Civil War and living historian, he visited Charleston in 1999, fell in love with the city, and became fascinated with Castle Pinckney. He moved to South Carolina in 2001 and began researching the history of the Castle and Shutes Folley Island. In 2021, he was appointed as a Guardian of Castle Pinckney and works there with archeologists, historians, and conservationists. Matthew, his wife Jacqueline, and daughter Abigail live just outside Charleston.
