Charleston Naval Hospital District Threatened by New Rail Line

The Charleston Naval Hospital District (CNHD) on the former Navy Base in North Charleston is a nationally significant medical complex where thousands of soldiers injured in Europe or Africa during World War II were treated. Important advances in military medicine were made here during the war. The site’s historical significance (and HCF’s advocacy efforts) prompted the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) to name the CNHD as one of the 11 Most Endangered Places in America, after Palmetto Railways proposed to construct a rail line directly through the district.Palmetto Railways’ suggested plan for an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility would destroy 9 of the 32 buildings included in the historic district. As a result, the CNHD would be removed from the National Register. The rail line also would restrict the use of at least 19 additional buildings from potential repurposing. HCF continues to urge Palmetto Railways to reconsider its proposed path and use a parallel right of way that is on land already reserved for rail purposes.Don Campagna of the Naval Order of the United States, a strategic partner in these advocacy efforts, reminds us of the CNHD’s importance: “This is the place where the wounded warriors of the Greatest Generation were healed by a grateful nation.” HCF will continue to advocate for CNHD’s protection, especially as there is a viable alternative available that would not compromise the ultimate functionality of Palmetto Railways’ plans.Palmetto Railways has requested a permit to build the new complex and rail lines from The Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is studying the matter, and is expected to make a determination within the next two months. As a Consulting Party to this environmental review process, HCF will continue to advocate for the protection of the CNHD with local, state and federal officials.