The beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina, has a storied past, which includes present-day revival, earlier destruction in the Civil War, earthquake, and a series of fires, and before that, huge colonial wealth and commerce, which included the vast, tragic, and cruel history of the slave trade. A distinctive spirit hovers over this place. And here is an example of it, tucked into Bedons Alley amid the old town, which speaks volumes.
A live oak grew in proximity with an old wall, so at some point, rather than cut down the mighty tree, the wall was either built or rebuilt to accomodate it.
How fascinating it would be to have been able to listen in on the long-ago conversations that saved the long life of the tree. At this remove, we can only survey the scene which that decision produced.
[Photos by Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius]
Great find and great question, Vejas!
I love to discover these unique facets of a community or location.
Is there an answer to the why? Does it matter even?
Perhaps it’s just important to know that this branch on this tree mattered to someone enough that they would shape a wall around it.
Maybe the real question is what’s the purpose of the wall?
Dear Jim, Well put! I wish the current owner of the wall had been on the spot, to pose more questions!
Vejas
My wife, Betty Leigh Reed, had an ancestor, Henry Rugeley, who came from England to Charleston before the Revolution. He had a store at Church and Tradd before going to Camden SC where he made the mistake of siding with the British. His store there was burned and he went back to England-
His sons stayed in America
Bill
Amazing details from family history! Thanks for sharing.