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From Charleston's doorstep, Morris Island held a critical position in the Civil War. It was first used by Confederates to assist in the bombardment of Fort Sumter and later became the scene of an epic struggle to prevent Union forces from gaining control. After the battle, the roles reversed, and Union forces used the site to bombard Fort Sumter and Charleston. Hundreds lost their lives, and both sides expended a vast amount of war capital for what appeared to be little value. Confederates greatly underestimated how events at Morris Island played into the hands of the Civil War's master strategist, Abraham Lincoln. Author C. Russell Horres Jr. offers the complete story of Morris Island in the War Between the States.
About the author
Russell Horres is a native of Charleston and resides in Mount Pleasant. In addition to a lengthy career in medical product development, Dr. Horres served for twenty-five years as an adjunct associate professor of cell biology at Duke University. Russell has been a volunteer researcher and interpretive guide for the National Park Service since 2001. His work with the National Park has led to the discovery of long-lost records of the construction of Fort Sumter and was featured in an exhibit of how the National Park Service uses the National Archives to preserve history. He worked as a developmental history consultant on a historical structure report for Fort Sumter. Russell has also volunteered as a historian for Fort Johnson and has participated in giving a number of lectures and guided tours on the history of the site. He has been certified as a tour guide by the City of Charleston.
