~Stories Etched in Time~
EXPLORING THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
Our aim is to educate, remember, and preserve. Explore artifacts and firsthand accounts that illuminate the Southern experience.
Museum Overview
The museum offers a vivid window into life and conflict during the 1860s, showcasing artifacts from soldiers, sailors, and civilians alike. The Museum showcases items from soldiers and sailors, as well as from families who remained on the home front or participated in the conflict firsthand. You’ll also find documents and objects related to the political and financial aspects of the era.
Main Gallery
The Main Gallery houses an expansive array of military artifacts, arms, and documents from the War era.
Both Confederate and Union service branches are represented.
Highlights include a rare Morse Carbine—produced in Greenville during the war—and a pre-war piano, believed to have reached South Carolina via blockade runner.
Vance Drawdy Library
This library is a cornerstone of our institution. It includes the complete Confederate soldier roster, extensive regimental histories, and a full copy of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, compiled by the U.S. government. It’s an invaluable resource for genealogists, scholars, and students alike.
Heritage Room
One of the Museum’s most treasured items is displayed here: an original copy of the South Carolina Ordinance of Secession. The room also features military uniforms, personal gear, and medical instruments, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of a soldier.
Tingle Documents and Currency Room
Here, visitors can explore Confederate currency, along with original newspaper and magazine publications from the War for Southern Independence. These periodicals offer rare contemporary perspectives on the events that shaped the South.
Home Front Room
This exhibit focuses on civilian life during the War—whether on the farm or in Southern towns. It features women’s clothing, personal accessories, and household items, all illustrating the resilience of those who remained behind.
Hall of Honor
The Hall of Honor displays the flags of the Confederacy and a compelling collection of soldier portraits—including members of the 16th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, raised here in Greenville County. Also featured are photographs and records of Black Confederate soldiers, more than 65,000 of whom served during the war.
Museum Gift Shop
Our gift shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books, CDs, flags, postcards, jewelry, toys, and memorabilia—all connected to the War for Southern Independence. It’s the perfect place to find a meaningful keepsake or gift.
