Sunday, November 11, 2012
Camp Fire Chroncicles Nov 3, 2012
Tonight we went to Congaree National Park to participate in the Camp Fire Chronicles. Sarah and I had done this about four years ago when they first started. We started at about 7:00 pm on the mile and a half walk along the boardwalk to watch the reenactments of the different people who used the swamp during different time periods. The ranger talked about the Congaree Indians during the 1500's. The European settlers brought many things to the new world but not all were good. Small pox nearly wiped out the Congaree's who were absorbed into the Catawba tribe. We moved on the escaped slaves, whose desire for freedom was so great that they were willing to risk almost anything to obtain freedom. Many lived in the swamp trying to make it to Florida where they could be free. Next we watched a reenactment from the militia. They used the swamp to their advantage for many years. Loggers tried to harvest the cypress trees but encountered many hardships in trying to do so. The swamp was a great place for the moonshiners to hide from the revenuers and make their moonshine. Many hunters and fishermen also used the swamp to get by. Many people worked long and hard to have Congaree become a protected site. What a great and informative night. The weather was cool but not cold and we all enjoyed being together. We will definitely look for more opportunities to get out and enjoy Congaree together.