In August of 2017, the east coast experienced the wrath of Hurricane Irma. Ranked the fifth-costliest Atlantic hurricane of all time, the damages up and down the coast totaled around $64.8 billion. Charleston, boasting around 90 miles of that coast, is still recovering from Irma’s immense power; one of the most iconic areas of the historic city, the High Battery, has recently begun repairs.
Charleston, South Carolina, is known for a lot of things: over 300 years of history, horse drawn carriage tours, sandy beaches, and a bustling life all its own. The High Battery is one of its more famous locations: named for the civil-war coastal defense artillery battery on site, the area reveals views of the city’s most memorable and beautiful locals such as Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and Sullivan’s Island.
After Irma let loose on the region, the Battery received the brunt of the damage. As a result, the city has decided to spend nearly $1 million ($935,000 to be exact) to repair its structure. The project is focused on removing around 7,800 tons of granite that had cracked and weakened under Irma’s fury; officially, the repairs will be 1,200 feet long, two feet deep, and 40 feet wide. The Federal Emergency Management Association is expected to reimburse about 70% of the repair costs, lightening some of the burden off of the city.
Fortunately, the efforts are only supposed to span 60 days; the tourism industry in Charleston is one of its biggest forms of income and support, so no real disruptions will occur — people will still easily be able to ride in a horse carriage, visit plantations and museums, and enjoy a night out on the town. Though access to the Battery and Battery Park will be restricted for the coming weeks, there are plenty more historic and beautiful places in Charleston to visit.
The city has had to face a lot due to its ideal coastal location. Though perfect for attracting sunbathers, the risk of damage from hurricanes (which have been appearing consistently within the last few years) is high.
To take your minds off of it, we recommend you take a ride in a horse carriage; after all, spending the afternoon with a knowledgeable guide will have you thinking more about the fascinating past than the unknown future.
