17th-century cannons roar at Charles Towne Landing once again
by Matt Proust | Contributing Writer
Great Guns on the Ashley offers a glimpse at the early days of South Carolina’s first colony
History will thunder across the Ashley River on Saturday, Sept. 6 as Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site hosts its popular Great Guns on the Ashley artillery demonstration.
The event, which brings colonial-era military history to life, will feature three live cannon firings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. led by the park’s living history team dressed in authentic 17th-century clothing. If you miss the September event, don’t worry, Charles Towne Landing will again host Great Guns on the Ashley on Saturday, Oct. 4.
More than just a dramatic display of firepower, the program will delve into the geopolitical tensions of the late 1600s that shaped the founding and early defense of Charles Towne. John Hiatt, the site’s lead interpretative ranger and park historian, emphasized that this program gives guests an informative look at the conflicts settlers faced in the early days of the colony.
Founded in April 1670, Charles Towne was established by the English in territory already claimed by Spain, which considered the land part of its vast colonial holdings in the Southeast.
Anticipating possible Spanish retaliation, King Charles II ordered a Board of Ordnance to send 12 “great guns” (cannons) with the first fleet of settlers as part of the original expedition. According to Hiatt, the settlers chose the landing site not only for its access to water and resources but also for its defensive advantage.
The program will explore this fraught geopolitical background, culminating with the live firing of six replica cannons, giving visitors an immersive look into the military preparations that underpinned the colony’s founding.
Following each cannon firing, site interpreters will be available to answer questions and engage guests in discussions about the colonial period.
For those unable to attend the Sept. 6 event, another artillery demonstration is scheduled for Oct. 4, offering a second chance to experience this unique interpretation of South Carolina’s colonial history. Later in the fall, the park will host Colonial Trades and Harvest Day on Nov. 8, highlighting daily life and domestic trades within the early settlement through interactive demonstrations and interpretive programs.
In addition to special events, Charles Towne Landing offers a wide range of attractions year-round. Guests can explore the interactive museum inside the visitor center, stroll the historic wharf area where English settlers first landed, and tour the Adventure, a replica 17th-century trading ketch—the only one of its kind in Charleston.
Nature lovers can also visit the Animal Forest, home to native species that once roamed South Carolina’s wilds, including bison, black bears, pumas, and otters. With 80 acres of English-style gardens and marsh-side trails, Charles Towne Landing provides a rich blend of natural beauty and historical insight.
