Coastal Carolina University Students Unearth Civil War History

News Summary

Four students from CCU have gained recognition for their research into the Horry Dispatch, the first newspaper in Horry County. Their work reveals insights into local perspectives during the Civil War era, showcasing both challenges and community engagement during a time of national strife. The project culminated in a presentation at the Horry County Museum and earned an award at the Society of Nineteenth Century Historians Symposium.

Myrtle Beach, SC – A Dive into Civil War History

Four dedicated students from Coastal Carolina University (CCU) have recently made waves with their award-winning research focused on the historical newspapers of Horry County, particularly during the early days of the Civil War. Their investigation centered around the Horry Dispatch, an intriguing piece of local history that has offered a unique view into life in a small southern community during a time of national turmoil.

Uncovering the Horry Dispatch

The first issue of the Horry Dispatch hit the stands on March 4, 1861, making it Horry County’s first venture into the world of journalism. This newspaper came out during a period when the county had fewer than 8,000 residents and a considerable challenge with illiteracy rates. Surprisingly, despite these difficulties, the demand for a local newspaper was fueled by a growing interest in local secession and warfare.

Throughout its short run, the Horry Dispatch was decidedly one-sided in its coverage. It threw its support behind the Confederate cause and lacked the fair and balanced reporting we expect today. The newspaper was modest in size, only four pages long, with a significant portion dedicated to public notices and advertisements, such as those soliciting the sale of enslaved individuals and warnings about counterfeit Confederate currency. The publication ceased in the spring of 1862 due to a shortage of newsprint and supplies.

A Glimpse into the Past

What makes the findings from the students so compelling is not just the shocking content but also how their research reveals the broader context of the time. The Horry Dispatch predominantly reprinted articles from other newspapers that were skewed toward advancing the Confederate agenda. Content included patriotic speeches and updates on troop movements, alongside accounts of military engagements such as the Battle of Shiloh, which were often inaccurately reported due to delays in communication.

The work of Kailani-Lee D’Antuono, Taylor Pierce, Jordan Blazer, and Connor Mojo was no walk in the park. They encountered significant challenges while archiving and cataloging historical articles, as many newspapers were in fragile condition with missing issues and sections that were completely unreadable. Their meticulous efforts resulted in a database of articles that the public will soon have access to online.

Sharing Their Discoveries

On February 8, 2024, the team presented their findings for the first time at the Horry County Museum, capturing the interest of around 50 local history buffs. Their research was not just a classroom project but has been recognized with a prestigious research award from the 32nd Annual Symposium of the Society of Nineteenth Century Historians. This accolade underscores the value of their contributions to understanding this critical era in American history.

But that’s not all! Their research will continue to reach audiences through a series of presentations at various events, including CCU Humanities Week as well as the South Carolina Historical Association annual meeting. Additionally, the students have plans to author an article for a university magazine and may collaborate on an exhibit for the history museum. This proactive approach not only highlights their research but also enriches the local cultural scene.

The Bigger Picture

The students’ investigation also shed light on the demographic aspects of Horry County during the Civil War, revealing a less engaged community compared to its neighbor, Georgetown County. Many local farms were valued at low amounts, and resources for the war effort were scant. This paints a fuller picture of the local landscape, where enlistment in the Confederate military was encouraged, yet the community did not significantly contribute in the same way as others.

In summary, the diligent work by these CCU students has uncovered layers of history hidden within the pages of a local newspaper. Their research not only provides a glimpse into the past but also serves as a reminder of the role media can play, even in crisis. As their work continues to be showcased in various platforms, it promises to ignite curiosity about our civil heritage.

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Additional Resources

• Horry County’s First Newspaper
• SC Monument to Robert Smalls
• Union Forces Invaded Horry County
• 160th Anniversary of Raid on Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach Local News
• Wikipedia: Civil War
• Google Search: Civil War history
• Google Scholar: Civil War Horry County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil War
• Google News: Civil War