The Taking of Thomas Heyward Jr.

Event Details

On August 27, 1780, Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, was taken from his Charles Town home by British troops and detained in the Old Exchange Building. Just hours after being arrested, he and twenty-eight other "Ringleaders of the Rebellion" were relocated to a guard ship in the harbor. On September 4, they were transported to St. Augustine, Florida, remaining there for about eleven months until freed in a prisoner exchange.

On August 27, 2016,experience this historic event for yourself through a special reenactment presented by The Charleston Museum, The Powder Magazine and the Old Exchange Building in honor of Thomas Heyward Jr. and his fellow Patriots. The event begins with the raising of her Majesty's colors by soldiers at the Powder Magazine at 9:45 am. Once orders for the day are received, soldiers will be dispatched to Mr. Heyward's house where they will remove him from the premises and lead him to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, as a prisoner. The public is welcome to follow the morning's activities to and from each site, as we "travel back in time" for this historic event!

This event is FREE and open to the public!

The Taking of Thomas Heyward Jr. will be outdoors and require some walking. Please dress accordingly - we want you to be comfortable!

The event will begin at 9:45 at The Powder Magazine at 79 Cumberland Street, but anyone can join in at any point along the way!

Feel free to participate by dressing in colonial garb, heckling the British soldiers, and shouting your support for independence!

AFTERWARD, please join The Charleston Museum for 'Revolutionary Activities' at the Heyward-Washington House from 10 am - 2 pm. Play colonial games, learn about colonial eats, and explore the work yard of the Heyward-Washington House!