South Carolina’s historical sites bring our state’s past alive. From battlefields to plantations houses, these must-see landmarks make up our state.
Visit Charles Pinckney’s coastal plantation known as Snee Farm to gain more insight into his contributions to the U.S Constitution as well as history of free and enslaved people living within its boundaries.
1. Fort Moultrie
Fort Moultrie, a sea fort and national park where two battles from the American Civil War took place, speaks volumes of history to all who visit. With its combination of heavy masonry walls and high walls, Fort Moultrie was considered an essential strategic point during war era.
This exhibit also contains a 20-foot obelisk to honor those Union soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and two granite blocks depicting African American experiences during the Civil War.
Visit it for its rich history and gain more of an insight into how this country came to exist – one of 76 National Historic Landmarks located within South Carolina!
2. Fort Sumter
At Fort Sullivan Island at Charleston Harbor’s mouth lies where the first shots were fired during the American Civil War. Named for an iconic Revolutionary War hero, visitors have an unprecedented chance to step back into our nation’s past through this unforgettable sea fort and nearby Fort Moultrie (on land).
As you explore the fort’s museum, you’ll have the chance to view a flag flown on April 14, 1861 when its surrender occurred and behold its original scarp and gorge walls which have both been almost entirely demolished by Union bombardments.
Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens is another historical attraction worthy of seeing when visiting Charleston, recreating an isolated rural life from 1800 with water powered grist mill, cotton gin, and moonshine still.
3. Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
People typically view the American Civil War through large scale campaigns and battles. But its story becomes far more striking when experienced on a smaller scale by following individual soldiers instead of whole armies.
Rivers Bridge State Historic Site was one of the last major Confederate stands against Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s march across the South. From their fortifications, outnumbered Southerners bravely fought until Union soldiers defeated them on Feb 2-3 1865.
South Carolina State Parks offer one and only Civil War battlefield in their State Park system, making this site an essential one to visit. Also serving as a memorial to Confederate dead, visitors of all ages come annually for services that commemorate this battle.
4. Dorchester Plantation
An early fall day brings to life the ruined churches and houses at this 325-acre park in Summerville. Even Sherman’s tabby fort, which survived his march through South Carolina by disguising itself as a church, now looks fresher beneath the trees.
Eliza’s House in the park provides visitors with an immersive look into how African-Americans adapted after freedom after the Civil War. Here they can learn about how millions of newly liberated slaves found new paths forward after becoming independent citizens.
Ninety Six was an important trading town during the Revolutionary War’s early days and is notable as both an initial land battle and its longest siege took place here. Unfortunately, however, its significance often gets overlooked; this battlefield stands as the only Revolutionary War battlefield in New Hampshire with earthen fortifications still visible today.
5. Hammond Plantation
Aiken County
James Hammond’s home represents the cultural history of antebellum South Carolina and has become an historic site. Built in a classic Greek Revival style, the home remained within his family until donated to the state in 1975, offering educational programs while also including two slave quarters on its property.
Drew Gilpin Faust observes that Hammond’s life provides an insight into the complexity and contradictions of Southern antebellum thought. Hammond represented an aristocratic planter class which accepted society based on deference and bonded labor; politically he advocated nullification while supporting secession; however he never expressed private misgivings regarding slavery though it remained part of defense for his South.
