After closing out Charleston magazine’s big 50th anniversary year, we’re rolling into 2026 and an auspicious milestone—the 250th birthday of the United States. It’s a huge deal, and Charleston, due to its significant role in the American Revolution, was selected by Congress and the America250 commission as a “lead city” for official commemorations, alongside Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. To illuminate the many stories that took place right here, there will be a multitude of events—educational programs, reenactments, exhibitions, and celebrations—planned by the SC American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (say that three times fast!) and the SC250 Charleston chapter, as well as our local museums and historical institutions.

That’s why we decided to kick off the new year with a primer of sorts on our city’s Revolutionary past. In “The Road to Independence” (page 70), longtime journalist and history buff Jeff Wilkinson surveys Colonial Charlestown from 1763 to 1776 and some of the people and places integral to the pursuit of liberty in what was essentially North America’s first civil war, pitting loyalists against patriots, and often families and neighbors against each other.

We’ve included important sites—including a marker for our own Liberty Tree in Ansonborough—to revisit, as well as upcoming local events to attend. I’d encourage you to map out your own Revolutionary history tour and experience some of the programs; the commemoration of the raising of South Carolina’s first flag over Fort Johnson last fall was fascinating! 

While this is a refresher course, as we progress through this anniversary, look for more detailed histories on the experiences of women, Native Americans, and enslaved people during the Revolution. It’s a prime opportunity to reflect on that tumultuous time, the ideals brought forth in the creation of our republic, and what we envision for its future. 

To life, liberty, and a Happy New Year!

Darcy Shankland
dshankland@charlestonmag.com