By Valencia Wicker
vwicker@abcnews4.com
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) – The dedication of a historical marker dating back to the late 1800s, hits close to heart for Robert E. Bohrn, Jr.
"Well, these are my two best friends," said Bohrn.
In 1987, two James Island civil war relic hunters found the remains of soldiers of the 55th Massachusetts. It took scientists and town officials twenty-four years to research and memorialize their lives.
"I didn't think I would see these people ‘til I went to the other side, so to speak. But, now to be eyeball to eyeball with two men I have the most respect for than probably anybody I've ever met, words can't describe," said Bohrn.
Bohrn is one of the men who found the skeletal remains.
"A lot of people say, what's the best thing you've ever found? And, I always say, ‘people'," said Bohrn.
The 55th came onto Folly Beach in August of 1863. Folly Beach was used as the staging area for the battle on Morris Island.
"These two guys, probably the most distinctive characteristic of them was their physical strength. The muscle attachments on the bones were humongous and really all of the skeletons reflected that," said Ted Rathbun, a retired forensic anthropologist.
The skeletons were two of nineteen found. These men were the only full skeletons found.
The bones were re-buried on Memorial Day in 1989 in Beaufort.
(Isaac McIntyre/WCIV)
(Isaac McIntyre/WCIV)
(Isaac McIntyre/WCIV)
(Isaac McIntyre/WCIV)
(Isaac McIntyre/WCIV)
