The Federal army would hold the position and control the mouth of the Stono River for most of the war. The final, sucessfull assault on the James Island Defensive lines was conducted by Federal troops transported past the Fort. Image, Left, Ft. Palmetto Today, the tall projection in the rear is probably one of the gateposts of the fort. It is about 3 feet taller than the rest of the work.
Coles island is in the background.
The water of high tide is visible in the foreground. Palmetto is nearly inacessible, isolated in the watery marshes between Coles Island and the Stono River. The shoreline has eroded and the waters of high tide now wash in and out of the former gun openings and gate. A high tide allowed an approach by boat from the river last summer by representatives of the S. C. Battleground Preservation Trust during which the photograph at left was taken. The Fort is visible from the water.