PALMETTO: Symbol of CourageObjective: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution

and South Carolina’s role in the development of the new American nation.

Author: Kate Salley PalmerBook: Palmetto: Symbol of CourageCity: Central, South CarolinaPublisher: Warbranch Press, Inc.Date: 2005

Book Summary: This is a story about when the British sailed to Charleston Harbor with the hopes of capturing the colony of the South for the King of England. At Sullivan’s Island there stood a little fort which was built from sand and Palmetto Trees, and was only built with 3 walls! The battle ensues and against all odds the fort successfully defeats the British and defends the South. Setting: June 28, 1776 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina as British warships sail towards Charleston Harbor

Samantha Smigel Spring 2012

• Fort Moultrie Walls•

Sergeant William Jasper

• Charleston Harbor 1776

• Charleston Harbor 2012

Links to Primary Sources:

Isn’t it just a tree?• Consider what a palmetto

tree looks like. • Complete a KWL chart before

and after reading. – What do you already know

about palmetto trees and their impact on the war?

– What do you want to know about palmetto trees, and how it got to be on our state flag.

– After reading complete the column about what you have learned about palmetto trees.

Would you take this leap of faith?• When Sergeant William Jasper leapt over the fort

walls to rescue the flag he took a risk running in front of enemy fire.

• In groups, role play what this scene would have been like for William Jasper. Discuss what he would have been feeling and thinking at that moment.

What’s changed in 236 years?• Construct a

Venn-Diagram comparing and

contrasting the two maps.

(Click on each to zoom in more)

• Pay attention to the changes in cities, and

roads, and the similarities in

landforms, oceans, and rivers.

South Carolina Standards

• Standard 3-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in the development of the new American nation.

• 3-3.3 Summarize the course of the American Revolution in South Carolina, including the role of William Jasper and Fort Moultrie; the occupation of Charles Town by the British; the partisan warfare of Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, and Francis Marion; and the battles of Cowpens, Kings Mountain, and Eutaw Springs.

Resources• Primary Sources

– http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/cwp2003000798/PP/– http://sclos.org/Past%20Articles/Carolina%20Day.htm– http://trailcritter.blogspot.com/2011/03/secession-winter-forts.html– http://maps.google.com/

• Other Resources– http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-

tNBi5GAxBAU/T0P3hPPtGPI/AAAAAAAAAG8/9u8AzOLcSvg/s1600/Venn2_blank.gif

– http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/IMAGES/South_Carolina/sabal-palmetto-tree.jpg

• Reviewer– Ellie Gunkel