The front cover of Historic Photos of South Carolina by Douglas W. Bostick Blessed by the attention of photographers from more than 150 years, the fascinating stories of the Palmetto State’s people and history

are captured in Historic Photos of South

Carolina.

Historian and author Douglas W. Bostick chronicles his home state since 1860 through more than 200 black and white photographs and chapter introductions and captions.

From the immense wealth of the Colonial period to the debilitating poverty of Reconstruction and the early 20th century, South Carolina has always been fiercely independent. One South Carolinian offered, “We had our love of family, our love of history, and our resistance to change that was both for and against us.”

Douglas W. Bostick The rich cultural heritage of South Carolina has long been enhanced by the countless photographers who have documented the stories and people of the Palmetto State. “Some photographers used their craft to encourage social change while others were content to have the opportunity to record the people and events at that moment in history,” said Bostick. “In either case, South Carolina is blessed today by the rich treasures of photography that have been left to study and enjoy.”

Historican and author Douglas W. Bostick chronicles his home state since 1860 through more than 200 vivid black and white photographs and compelling chapter introductions and captions in Historic Photos of South

Carolina.

Bostick is an eighth generation South Carolinian who grew up on James Island. His South Carolinian ancestors date back to colonial America, including a secretary of the Sons of Liberty during the Revolutionary war, a member of the Charleston Light Dragoons in the Civil War, and a captain of a blockade runner during the siege of Charleston.

He is also related to the late Lucy Hampton Bostick, long–time head librarian of the Richland County Public Library, who is credited with fostering interest in Southern literature and history, improving cultural life in Columbia, and promoting library appreciation throughout the state.

His love of history, particularly Southern history grew from palling with his grandfather, who owned a water well drilling company. As a young boy, Bostick would accompany him on his rounds to Fort Sumter, the Sheldon Church ruins, Magnolia Cemetery, Hell Hole Swamp, Kiawah Island, and Fort Moultrie. It was during those trips that his grandfather riveted him with tales of his ancestors and the places and times in which they lived.

Bostick has spent more than two decades actively collecting and piecing together histories of the South. Often called a “sleuth of a historian,” he is the author of 11 books and has written numerous articles.

Bostick is a graduate of the College of Charleston and earned a master’s degree from USC. He is a former staff and faculty member of USC and the University of Maryland.