You are here

21st Century Technology Meets 18th Century Warfare At Ninety Six National Historic Site

Share

Published Date

April 21, 2014

Twenty-first century technologies are being relied upon to help explain, and even physically buttress, Revolutionary War tactics at Ninety Six National Historic Site in South Carolina.

Drawing the attention is a 125-foot-long tunnel the Colonials dug to reach a spot below the British-held Star Fort during the 1781 battle that is commemorated at the historic site. The intent was to ignite a nest of explosives beneath the fort, a strategy that arose 80-some years later during the Civil War battle at Petersburg, Virginia. 

The Colonials never completed the tunnel; instead they resorted to storming the fort held by British loyalists.

Working to buttress the brick-lined tunnel today is a partnership between the National Park Service, the University of South Florida-Alliance for Integrated Spatial Technologies and South Carolina ETV. Work overseen by the partnership will is aimed at stabilizing, protecting and preserving the Kosciuszko tunnel, the only existing military tunnel during the American Revolution.

A team from the University of South Florida, in collaboration with the Park Service and the Southeast Archeological Center, is using 3D laser scanning and imaging along with geophysical remote sensing tools to assist with conservation, management, and public interpretive development of unique American Revolutionary period site features. The researchers will use 3D laser scanners to create the most accurate model of the Star Fort and the 3-to-4-foot tall tunnel beneath, creating new state-of-the-art public interpretation and digital record, including a 3D print model of the important site and its features.

Using newly available technologies, USF will record the tunnel and earthen star-shaped fortification, providing valuable information for long-term conservation and future interpretation of this important historical site.

South Carolina ETV will be working collaboratively with USF-AIST to produce a documentary highlighting both the technology and the story of the Kosciusko tunnel, Ninety Six National Historic Site, and a short documentation video of the tunnel laser mapping process.

Ninety Six National Historic Site is home to battlefields from the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and much more. The park is located two miles south of the town of Ninety Six on Highway 248.

Comments

Ninety Six NHS is one of these small gems that most people skip over because it's not on the way to anything.

But if you're interested in the Revolutionary War, it's a must-see.

Oh yes, if you're a NPS buff, you have to see it as well.

Danny www.hikertohiker.com 


Danny is correct - this is one of those oft-missed parks that is worth a visit.

There are some good opportunities to enjoy living history events and other special programs in coming months at the park:  http://www.nps.gov/nisi/planyourvisit/special-events.htm


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.