Archivist and musicologist Nicholas Butler describes the military and social history of Charleston, South Carolina beginning in 1776 when it was first attacked by the British. Though no War of 1812 battles were fought in Charleston, Mr. Butler argues that events leading up to the war and expenses for fortifications during the war led to economic collapse in the city, a strong distrust of the federal government, and eventual secession from the union. The Citadel and the Old Exchange Building in Charleston, South Carolina hosted this event as part of a War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium.