On September 20, 1807, Charles Drayton made a note in pencil in his diary: “A.S. killed in duel 14th.†The note was short, but it represented a dramatic story with a disastrous ending. But just who was A.S., why did his life end in this dreadful turn of events, and what led Charles to record it in his journal?
Nineteenth-century Charleston was the site of many duels, but these violent confrontations happened across the United States. Join us virtually on September 9 at 5:00 p.m. as Shane Mason, Historic Interpreter at Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC, discusses the history of codified combat and why dueling became part of America’s story.
 Arthur Smith wasn’t the only Charlestonian to die in a duel in the early nineteenth century, but when he stood on the field of honor, he faced not a foe, but a former friend. Hear his story and learn his connection to Drayton Hall as we explore this tragic yet intriguing historic subject.
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(843) 769-2600
info@draytonhall.org
3380 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29414
Drayton Hall's main house and landscape are open to the public weekly Wednesday through Monday from 9 am to 5:00 pm (gate closes at 3:30 pm). CLOSED on Tuesdays. The gate will accept no cash transactions.
