New Augmented Reality Experiences Bring Battlefields to Life

Charleston, S.C. (November 27, 2024) – The Liberty Trail Augmented Reality Experience app provides a new way to interact with Revolutionary War history: By exploring key battlefields faithfully reconstructed in 3D. Working together, the American Battlefield Trust, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and UK-based augmented reality company Zubr, have created an interactive and immersive glimpse into places central to the Palmetto State’s pivotal role in the conflict. 

Aligned with the American Battlefield Trust’s mission, The Liberty Trail AR suite of digital content goes beyond basic facts to make history inspirational. It showcases military maneuvers and siege tactics from both British and Patriot forces, with four different battlefield locations brought back to life. From Eutaw Springs and Fort Watson to Fort Fair Lawn and the Siege of Charleston, the experience reveals the conflict and aftermath of pivotal battles during the Southern Campaign, as well as broader military pattern-of-life.  

"The past has never felt closer than through this dynamic AR experience, which allows visitors to wander around and inside long-lost battlefield structures," says American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan. “The models present the scale of these constructions, and the details of how they may have looked in a way previously unimaginable. Technology is bringing the past to life and deepening visitor understanding of the people and places of the American Revolution – on the battlefield and elsewhere." 

Whilst the virtual content can be enjoyed either at the battlefield sites in South Carolina or remotely via a free, downloadable app, Zubr’s accessible ‘AR Binoculars’ can also be found at Charleston’s Marion Square, at Fort Watson, within the Santee National Wildlife Refuge near Summerton, and soon at the Berkeley County Museum in Moncks Corner. Although visually similar to traditional tower viewers, these innovative, long-lasting binoculars are believed to be the first of their kind installed anywhere in the United States and allow visitors to peer through and experience the AR scenes without the need for a personal device or app download.  

“I was proud to get a first look at the augmented reality binoculars at Marion Square,” says Charleston Mayor William Cogswell, after unveiling the new hardware yesterday afternoon. “It’s exciting to see new ways that we can honor Charleston’s storied history, which played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. I encourage residents and visitors to explore this innovative resource.”   

“There are countless innovations showcased within the Liberty Trail AR project, such as the custom musket reload animations, the 1:1 scale virtual environments, and of course our unique AR Binoculars. We’re honoured that our cutting-edge tech will be used to increase awareness of these significant moments in US history,” says Jack Norris, Director of Zubr. 

The remarkable collaboration between US and UK teams in portraying both British and Patriot soldiers on the eve of the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary has caught the attention of the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., which held a preview event on November 14.   

“It was great to meet with the team from Zubr and experience their exciting new tech,” said Col. Matt Churchward, Royal Marines Attaché to the United States. “I can see real value in the military community for both wargaming simulations and joint professional military education.”  

The Liberty Trail is an unforgettable journey through place and time, connecting locations central to the story of the American Revolution. It began in the Palmetto State, as the American Battlefield Trust joined forces with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, but as the nation’s Semiquincentennial anniversary dawns, will expand into other states. Learn more at www.TheLibertyTrail.org.  

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