The Deadly History Of This South Carolina Park Is Terrifying But True
A sacred piece of ground is entrenched between a gas station and a Dunkin’ Donuts on busy Savannah Highway in Charleston. It’s an urban memorial dedicated to nine fallen heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty on June 18, 2007. The deadly history of this South Carolina spot is terrifying, but true.
As a state, and as a nation, We Will Never Forget the agonizing history behind this memorial park in Charleston. June 18th will mark the 10 year anniversary of the terrifying and tragic event associated with this urban park along South Carolina’s Highway 17.
The Charleston 9 Memorial Park sits on the very spot where nine firefighters perished in the line of duty. It includes a separate memorial for each man who lost his life on this tragic day in South Carolina history. You can see each spot in the photo above; each marker is close to the spot our hero actually died.
Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on June 18, 2007, dispatch was flooded with calls from motorists passing a newly ignited fire at the massive 45,000 square foot furniture store at 1807 Savannah Highway.
The fire was speculated to have started in the loading dock area from a discarded cigarette, however no binding assessment of the cause of the blaze has ever been determined.
A motorcade of 300 fire engines, ambulances and command vehicles stretched for 7.5 miles as the procession filed past the engine house of each fallen comrade - and then past the horrific site of the fire. People lined the streets to pay respects as the motorcade passed.
Later, an estimated 30,000 people, including 8,000 firefighters, attended the public memorial at the North Charleston Coliseum.
YouTube user Dixieshep compiled the honorable memorial video below that provides a harrowing insight into this South Carolina tragedy. We post it here, so that ten years later the lives of the Fallen will be remembered once again. A warning though, this footage includes some shots of the fallen in action fighting this historic fire.
Any trip to Charleston warrants a visit to the Charleston 9 Memorial Park on Savannah Highway to pay tribute to the lives lost in this tragic South Carolina event.
Each year, on the anniversary of the heartbreaking catastrophe, a memorial service is held at the park. The service is open to the public. More information about the next memorial service taking place can be found here.
We, as a state, Will Never Forget The Charleston 9 and the deadly history of this Memorial Park in Charleston.
Do you remember this event in South Carolina history? And have you visited the hallowed ground at the site? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
