Named for a pre–Civil War coastal defense artillery battery originally built by the British at the site, it stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which meet here to form Charleston Harbor.
In popular speech[citation needed] and in a number of unofficial guidebooks[citation needed] and Web sites[citation needed], the Battery and White Point Garden are sometimes referred to as "Battery Park," but the park and seawall promenade are not regarded by the City of Charleston as a single entity, and the term "Battery Park" is not an official designation.
In the 18th century, rocks and heavy materials were used to fortify the shore of the Cooper River on the eastern side of the peninsula.
First used as a public park in 1837, the area now known as White Point Garden became a place for artillery during the American Civil War.
[2]In August 2023, Tropical Storm Idalia breached the Battery and flooded portions of the downtown.