Discovering Charleston’s Revolutionary Past through Augmented Reality Binoculars

Discovering Charleston’s Revolutionary Past through Augmented Reality

CHARLESTON, SC – A new interactive experience has landed in the heart of the Holy City, just in time for history buffs and curious visitors alike! The recently installed augmented reality binoculars at Marion Square offer a unique window into Charleston’s past during the Revolutionary War. Imagine peering through a lens that transports you back to 1780—now that’s an adventure worth taking!

The Magic of Augmented Reality

Thanks to a collaboration between the American Battlefield Trust, the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, and U.K.-based tech genius Zubr, history comes alive in a way that you’ve never experienced before. These stationary binoculars allow passersby to gaze into scenes from the Siege of Charleston while learning about the significant events that unfolded right where they’re standing today.

Charleston’s Mayor, William Cogswell, enthusiastically tried out the binoculars on November 26, remarking afterward, “This is an incredible initiative that will help highlight all the contributions that South Carolinians made to the founding of our country, literally bringing it to life.”

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

With a steady stream of over 7.9 million visitors annually, it’s no wonder that Charleston aims to enhance the historical experience. A recent study from College of Charleston notes that history remains a top draw for the local tourism industry, which is worth a whopping $13 billion! The advanced binoculars are just one part of a grander plan to connect visitors with the state’s rich Revolutionary War heritage through the Liberty Trail Augmented Reality Experience app.

The director of the American Battlefield Trust’s Liberty Trail initiative, Catherine Noyes, explained, “We have a real opportunity here at Marion Square because it’s such a heavily visited spot already. It gives them a little taste of Revolutionary War history, and we hope it leads them to download our apps to dive deeper and to keep exploring other sites.”

Going Beyond the Binoculars

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The augmented reality binoculars complement existing historical markers and signs, and when paired with the Liberty Trail app, visitors can access content showing military maneuvers and siege techniques used by both British and Patriot forces across four battlefield locations. Isn’t that a fantastic way to have fun while learning at the same time?

“Charleston is not as well-known for its role in the Revolutionary War because most people think of the role it had in the Civil War,” Noyes added, highlighting the need for this educational push.

Bringing History to Life

The president of the American Battlefield Trust, David Duncan, had some equally exciting perspectives on the project. He remarked that exploring these battlefields reconstructed in 3D offers visitors a perspective that storytelling alone cannot capture. “Technology is bringing the past to life and deepening visitor understanding of the people and places of the American Revolution — on the battlefield and elsewhere,” Duncan said.

Where to Find These Binoculars

If you’re keen to give these high-tech binoculars a try, you’ll find them not just at Marion Square but also at Fort Watson within the Santee National Wildlife Refuge and soon at the Berkeley County Museum in Moncks Corner.

A Journey Through Time

This innovative project is paving the way for a broader exploration of Revolutionary War history across the country, especially as the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026 approaches—making it a perfect time to dive into the past. So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, grab your phone and check out the Liberty Trail app, and don’t forget to peer through the binoculars. Who knows what secrets await?

So, are you ready for a history lesson that’s as thrilling as it is educational? Make sure to take a moment during your next stroll through Marion Square to interact with this exciting new technology and see Charleston’s historical landscape like never before!