South Carolina’s history is captivating, from seeing where our 11th President was born to learning about its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.
Charles Pinckney was granted Snee Farms, an historic coastal property that once housed rice and indigo crops. Today, this historic site provides insight into his life and family’s slave holdings.
Fort Moultrie
During the Revolutionary War, patriots hastily built a barrier island fort on Sullivan’s Island in Rhode Island. On June 28, 1776 it received nine British warships under Admiral Sir Peter Parker (1721-1811). But this fort stood strong; its soft palmetto log walls and yielding sand allowed its defenses to absorb fire from British ships’ guns while protecting defenders within.
Built in 1809, a third fort still stands on its original site today and welcomes visitors with tours and exhibitions showcasing its long history of coastal defense – from palmetto log fort to World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post – managed by the National Park Service and housing the South Carolina state flag, designed in 1860 by Moultrie’s nephew.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
On October 7, 1780, Thomas Jefferson called the Battle of Kings Mountain “the turning of the tide of success”. American victory stopped Lord Cornwallis’ advance and effectively ended Loyalist rule of Carolinas. Thomas Jefferson called this decisive event “a major turning point of victory”.
A 1.5-mile paved path traces the battlefield and visitor center boasts historical exhibits as well as a 26-minute film that details its battle.
York County Military Park is free for visitors. A nearby state park features picnicking and camping spots – 15 equestrian sites and 115 standard campsites are available – picnickers can explore the hiking trails in both parks; one such trail leads directly up Brown’s Mountain (one of three monadnocks within York County Military Park) for breathtaking views!
Middleton Place National Historic Landmark
Middleton Place National Historic Landmark, situated along Ashley River about 15 miles northwest of Charleston, boasts one of America’s earliest landscaped gardens as well as house museum and Eliza’s House (reconstructing an African American freedman cottage).
The estate has withstood historic events including the Revolution, Civil War and economic turmoil. It embodies both its white owners’ histories as well as those of their slave workers through collections housed at Eliza’s House Museum and Eliza’s House.
Visitors to Middleton Place can delve deeper into its rich history of slavery with award-winning documentary Beyond the Fields: Slavery at Middleton Place. Open year round, Middleton Place provides House Museum Tours, stable yards and 65 acres of classical gardens – not forgetting a House Museum Tour that you won’t want to miss!
Congaree National Park
Native American history plays an essential role in understanding where we visit today. One such tribe that left an impressionable mark along South Carolina rivers was the Congaree tribe; their presence left lasting impressions upon all who crossed their path.
Congaree National Park’s most beloved trail is the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile walk that allows visitors to experience the swamp directly without touching its surface. Along its route are old-growth tupelo, cypress and loblolly pine forests inhabited by wildlife who call the swamp home.
Congaree Park not only attracts visitors with its natural beauty, but its cultural history is equally captivating. From prehistoric Native Americans to Revolutionary War patriots and escaped slaves – Congaree has an incredible legacy of people seeking freedom here.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum, providing immersive experiences that bring America’s 18th-century past alive. The Historic Area includes more than 500 meticulously restored structures dating from 1740-1789; historic trade shops; world-class art museums featuring one of America’s premiere folk art collections; accommodation; educational outreach programs and fine dining services are just a few highlights here.
Tickets are required to gain entry into homes and businesses where historical interpreters perform reenactments of past life experiences. Don’t miss visiting Bruton Parish Church – the first cruciform church built in America attended by such notable figures as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; also see Public Gaol, an eight-cell structure used to imprison debtors or slaves awaiting trial or punishment; these attractions help sustain Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s mission through donations, admission sales revenues and hospitality operations revenues.
