From time to time an unsuspecting tourist visiting the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church will insist that they caught a glimpse of a spectral figure hovering among the scattered remains of the time-weathered gravestones. Some might scoff at such sightings, but the reports of the ghost are consistent. Witnesses describe what appears to be the ethereal figure of a young woman in a plain brown dress of the style commonly worn during the Colonial era. They say she is weeping beside a grave.
Regardless of how one feels about reports of the ghost of the weeping lady, I do not think anyone can stroll through the lonely grounds of the Old Sheldon Church without being strangely moved. And when you learn the tragic history of the church; how it was burned by pillaging armies, not once, but twice, you are struck by how stubbornly this noble edifice refused to succumb. Portions of majestic red-brick walls and columns still stand sturdily, albeit adorned with scattered parasitic ferns.
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This church is must stop for anyone who wants the feel of what it was to have an invader destroy something. Not once but 2 times ! I lived in Beaufort 11 years, hunting at nearby Twickingham Plantation.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful icon, and a lesson to be learned. And beautiful all in one.
Got to make it there before my toes turn up. :)
Delete"The levels of destruction inflicted by Union troops, devastated the infrastructure, economy, and resources of the South to such an extent that it took nearly an entire century for Southern states to recover."
ReplyDeleteWe've not recovered yet, but we're well on our way there. The latest episode of the continued War of Northern Aggression, concerning renewed calls for destruction of all things Confederate, has burst forth due to the rising wealth of the Southern States, and the continued refusal to submit to the Federal Government's demand of acquiescing to them as if they were God himself.
Hurrah!
Central Alabamaian
Hurrah!Hurrah!:)
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