Defending South Carolina’s Coast—The Civil War from Georgetown to Little River
by Rick Simmons | The History Press, 2009

Charleston tends to get the lion’s share of expert recognition when it comes to military history. Well, it only took 150 years, but finally Rick Simmons's book Defending South Carolina’s Coast—The Civil War from Georgetown to Little River brings to life untold stories from the Grand Strand, detailing a time when the area was a base of operation for more than 3,000 troops (and also the site of more than a dozen forts).

From skirmishes at Fort Randall in Little River and the repeated Union naval bombardments at Murrells Inlet to the sinking of the U.S.S. Moon in Winyah Bay, area-native Simmons brings to life some of the region’s most colorful Civil War stories. The book also features sixty-five images, including archival maps and period photography.

The title is part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Series from The History Press, honoring the upcoming 150-year anniversary (2011–2015). And it’s a recommended addition to the collection of any Civil War history buff, but especially those who call the Grand Strand home.