A new Mine Planter Model unveiled at Historic Fort Fremont

Mine planter model

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, The Friends of Fort Fremont (FFF) unveiled the newly completed Mine Planter model at the Fort Fremont Preserve on St. Helena, Island, SC.

The public is invited to view the new exhibit on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Guests will also have the opportunity to see a newly acquired Ammunition Cart. There is no admission fee.

The new exhibit highlights Fort Fremont’s critical role in coastal defense during the Spanish-American War era. Built in 1898, Fort Fremont was part of a strategic system designed to protect the Port Royal Naval Station and the vital dry dock at Parris Island.

In May 1898, there was speculation that a Spanish fleet commanded by Admiral Pascal Cervera planned to raid South Carolina after defeating the American blockade in Cuba. Citizens all along the eastern seaboard feared the worst. Secretary of War Russell Alger said, “Calls were made to the War Department for immediate rescue from the advancing Spanish fleet…They wanted guns everywhere, mines in all rivers and harbors on the map.”

Under threat of attack, underwater mines were placed in the Beaufort River to deter and intercept enemy vessels. During this period the Beaufort River was a very busy waterway with commercial vessels, fishing boats, steamboat boats, and private boats. To allow safe travel for these vessels, detonation of the mines was controlled from shore.

In July 1898, the Corps of Engineers laid four triple groups of mines in depths of 20 to 30 feet. The mines remained in good condition until they were removed by explosion on August 27 and September 2, 1898.

The General Edward O.C. Ord model represents the type of vessel used to deploy mines. After 1901, the Coast Artillery took over responsibility for mine laying. Constructed in 1909, the Gen. Ord, was

Gen EOC Ord

much more sophisticated and capable than previous vessels.

The Gen. Ord visited Fort Fremont in March 1910 to train soldiers in mine assembly and placement. It was one of six vessels of this type on the east coast which enabled the Army to mine harbors along the entire coast in three days. The Gen. Ord remained in commission until it was scrapped in 1948.

The model was crafted by Master Modeler Dennis Cannady. Mr. Cannady’s work has been viewed in museums and libraries by over 1 million people throughout the United States. Many of his recent models have been historic tall ships and dioramas of historic sites including a diorama of Beaufort’s Bay Street c. 1863 on display at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Verdier House (HBF) and a national touring exhibit on the “The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls”.

Crew of the Gen. EOC Ord

Beaufort County purchased 18-acres of the original fort for use as a passive park. The site encompasses mixed hardwood forest with walking trails, a picnic pavilion, remains of historic artillery batteries, and a History Center with dioramas and period artifacts. Fort Fremont is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Friends of Fort Fremont partner with Beaufort County to preserve and promote Fort Fremont’s educational, historical, natural, and cultural resources.

The Fort Fremont Preserve is open to the public free of charge daily from dawn to dusk. The History Center exhibit hall, open Thursday through Sunday, is staffed by Friends of Fort Fremont volunteers. The Friends also offer docent-led walking tours by appointment.

For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org.