South Carolina's Most Visited Plantation and Gardens. National Registry of Historic Places. Ancient Oak Avenue. Tours full of History. World Famous Gardens of the 19th Century "Romantic Style". Selected by Travel Leisure (2014) as the only South Carolina garden deemed one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens". Reconstruction Period Plantation Home Tour. Award Winning Slave Cabin Tour. Very popular Nature-Train Tour. Rice Field Boat Tour. Family Oriented. Petting Zoo and Nature Center. Audubon Swamp Self-Guided Tour. Amazing Nesting Rookery. If you have only one Plantation to see, don't miss us!See more..
4.5Fort Sumter National Monument(5.848 reviews) - Interesting and educational throughout Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities • History Museums
Learn all about this storied spot of the first clash between the Union and Confederate armies in the Civil War, in which the Union forces finally surrendered after a 34-hour bombardment by the Rebels.See more..
4.5Boone Hall Plantation(4.432 reviews)from $28.00 - Fantastic Plantation and Presentations Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites
One of America's most photographed historical venues with true southern charm. Features world famous Avenue of Oaks, tractor tours across the entire property. Only live Gullah presentations in the area, Black History In America Exhibit, gardens that are a showcase of color, and a colonial revival style 1936 mansion. Special presentations now being offered daily include history talks, beehive demonstrations, horticulture, and more. Used in the filming of North and South, The Notebook, American Idol, and other Hollywood productions.See more..
4.5Middleton Place(4.339 reviews) - Don’t Miss - Even if it rains. Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens
Middleton Place National Historic Landmark is home to America’s oldest and most important landscaped gardens. Began in 1741, the historic site today encompasses 110 acres including the Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House. Together they tell the inclusive history of all who lived, worked, and died here. The stories of the Middleton family including two Founding Fathers and generations of enslaved people are interwoven throughout the property. Visitors have opportunities to experience those stories with both guided or self-guided tours.See more..
4.5Nathaniel Russell House(2.042 reviews) - A great, inexpensive tour, with or without a guide, benefits the Historical Foundation. Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.See more..
4.5Drayton Hall(1.979 reviews)from $26.00 - Wonderful glimpse into the past Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Circa 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public.See more..
4.5Aiken-Rhett House(1.692 reviews) - Charleston's high-class history Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
The Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1820) is one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. Vastly expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and again in the 1850s, the house and its outbuildings include a kitchen, the original quarters of the enslaved, carriage block and back lot. When Historic Charleston Foundation assumed ownership in 1995, we adopted a preserved-as-found preservation approach, meaning the structure and contents are left in an “as-found” state, including furniture, architecture and finishes that have not been altered since the mid 19th century. While many dependency buildings in Charleston have been demolished or adapted, the Aiken-Rhett slave quarters – with their original paint, floors and fixtures – survive virtually untouched since the 1850s, allowing visitors the chance to better comprehend the every-day realities of the enslaved Africans who lived and labored here. A 45-minute audio tour is available, last tour at 4pm.See more..
Hopsewee Plantation is an original lowcountry rice plantation on the North Santee Rive built between 1735 and 1740. Birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., Hopsewee is one of just 12 remaining birthplaces of Signers of the Declaration of Independence. The home has not been modified from its original design and is furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques. Two original slave cabins remain on the property. The guided tour explores the history of the Patriots and Planters who lived at Hopsewee while you explore the architectural features of the house from Attic to Cellar. Enjoy the hour long tour or just come for lunch in The River Oak Cottage Tearoom with Lowcountry favorites such as Shrimp and Grits, Pulled Pork, Soups and Sandwiches and our Southern Tea service modeled after a British Afternoon Tea.See more..
4.5McLeod Plantation Historic Site(1.272 reviews) - Do the tour guide Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston's - and our nations - history. Today McLeod Plantation is an important 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. The grounds include a riverside outdoor pavilion, a sweeping oak allée, and the McLeod Oak, which is thought to be more than 600 years old. It is a place like no other, not frozen in time but vibrant, dynamic, and constantly evolving, where the winds of change whisper through the oak trees and voices from the past speak to all who pause to listen. McLeod Plantation was built on the riches of sea island cotton - and on the backs of enslaved people whose work and culture are embedded in the Lowcountry's very foundation. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality, and justice. All of their stories - black and white, enslaved and free - are given their due. After years of careful research and restoration, McLeod Plantation Historic Site invites visitors to embark upon an in-depth exploration of the lives of those people whose stories are essential to understanding Charleston's complex past and helped shape who we, as a nation, are today.See more..
4.5South Carolina State House(654 reviews) - Fabulous Architecture and Great History Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
A beautiful building with wonderful architectural detail.See more..
I'm really glad we made the short detour off Hwy 17 to see these ruins on the drive between Charleston and Savannah. It was an idyllic setting. Parking advice: We were so busy looking at the ruins as we drove up we missed the parking lot on our first pass. The entrance to the parking lot is located on the opposite side of the road from the main entrance gate to the ruins.See more..
We were delightfully surprised by how nice this state park was. The museum exhibits were in great condition, and the movie showed was both educational and entertaining. They offer a cellphone tour which was a first for us, and very informative. How neat to experience this living history moment and see this battleground! See more..
4.0Penn Center(218 reviews) - Must visit Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites
Tucked in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands surrounded by glimmering marshes and nestled beneath the silvery moss-draped limbs of massive live oaks, is Penn Center. It is the site of the former Penn School, one of the country's first schools for formerly enslaved individuals. Penn Center is one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. We are located on St. Helena Island, one of the most beautiful and historically distinct of the South Carolina Sea Islands, and at the heart of Gullah cultureSee more..
4.5Aiken County Historical Museum(181 reviews) - I was surprised a small, county museum was this good! Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites • History Museums
I thought I'd run in and out to see the building but I ended up reading a lot of the info about the displays. There was a cute little olde time soda shop and pharmacy display. I liked that it told a local story instead of all the Civil War history I already knew. And it's free. I wanted to go in the gift shop but they weren't wearing masks. The volunteers at the front were.See more..
We really enjoyed this and got some pretty cool pictures. It was very cold inside even in May. I was glad we brought flashlights. Also the ground is very wet from some water dripping.. My son saw one bat. Super short walk, I wouldn't miss this different experience!See more..
4.5Chapel of Ease(145 reviews) - Stunning Historic Sites
This place is at first glance a southern ruin but what you actually have is a witness to American history. This place saw the American revolution, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. It’s tabby walls, built by people not always treated well by this country, still survive and thrive, as do the descendants of the builders - many of whom still live in the area. It’s moss draped oaks are the picture of southern beauty. Definitely worth a stop. See more..
The Fort Fremont History Center in Memory of Pete Richards is open to the public Fridays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 - 4:00 pm. Docent-led tours of the Preserve every Saturday - 11:00 am & 1:00 pm. The grounds are open daily Dawn to Dusk. Self-guided tours can be synced with our walking tour app on phones and tablets. Available at the Google Play and Apple App Stores. The Fort is a Spanish American War era Endicott fortification on Saint Helena Island near Beaufort, SC. Located on the shores of Port Royal Sound, an historic waterway of the Southeast Atlantic coast, Fort Fremont was active between 1888 and 1917. Learn about its place in local military history; its namesake - John C. Fremont; the diorama and other models illustrating the Fort as it looked at the turn of the twentieth century; as well as the volunteer Friends group which has worked diligently to preserve it, raise public awareness, and encourage the construction of the interpretive history center at the park.See more..
A well laid out path and a self-guided tour brochure makes this site a easy an interesting visit. Original trench lines and Star Fort mounds are still very visible as well as an old wagon road. A a reproduction stockade and rifle tower. A great bit of Revolutionary War history. We were pleased to see the Parks Passport book cancellation stamp was accessible even though the visitor center was closed.See more..
Fascinating historical site. Definitely recommend taking the tour - Only way to see inside the buildings. We had knowledgeable tour guide that answered all our questions and seemed to love his subject material. Main site has historical buildings. Gift shop has displays and a video worth watching. No food. We took our lunch and ate it at the picnic tables - very pleasant. You can drive to the actual battlefield site (about 8 miles away) and tour it. It is a pleasant walk in the woods with some monuments and signage.See more..
4.5Historic Brattonsville(108 reviews) - Great place! (As long as they dont give into "Political Correctness" Anymore!!!) Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Experience living history, including the African American story, at our 775-acre Revolutionary War site. Explore the Bratton Plantation, owned and lived on by three Bratton generations. Historic Brattonsville presents the history of the Scots-Irish and African-Americans in the South Carolina Upcountry largely through preserving and interpreting the story of the Bratton community. With 30 historic structures from the 1760s to the late 19th century, we provide visitors with an opportunity to see the evolution of Southern culture and architecture in the Carolina Piedmont. Learn how people farmed the land, cooked their food and entertained themselves in the 18th and 19th centuries at this 775-acre living history museum. Historical farming techniques and day-to-day activities are presented by costumed interpreters year-round. Come explore the Huck’s Defeat Battlefield Trail and video documentary that bring to life one of the most important Revolutionary War battles in the Carolinas.See more..
The Hagood Mill Historic Site has over 50 acres to explore and is on the National Registry of Historic Sites. Featuring an 1845 gristmill, restored log cabins, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, moonshine still, nature trails, and a gift shop featuring local crafters, musicians and authors! We have monthly musical performances every third Saturday with a different musical theme each month. It is on these days that you can visit and see the grist mill in operation, a variety of living history demonstrators and a quality artisan market. Located on the same grounds is the South Carolina Petroglyph Site, the state's only protected and most accessible collection of rock art. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm.See more..
4.5Tuskegee Airmen Memorial(92 reviews) - Worth a visit Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
If you're spending the night in Walterboro, or need a break from driving I-95, this is worth a 15 minute stop. Tuskegee Airmen were African-American Army Air Corps unit that served with valor during World War II, Walterboro was a training base for many of this group. The day we were there we had the fortune of meeting a retired Lt. Col. who had trained at the Tuskegee flight school in Alabama for which the group were named.See more..
Walnut Grove Plantation recounts how free and enslaved people settled the South Carolina Backcountry, fought for independence, and built a new nation. In addition to the 18th century manor house and outlying buildings, visitors can also view the property's cemetery and walk our nature trail, or enjoy a picnic at the pavilion. *Be advised the manor house is currently undergoing an extensive restoration project. Please check the Spartanburg County Historical Association Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.See more..
Redcliffe Plantation, completed in 1859, was once the home of James Henry Hammond, three generations of his descendants, and numerous African-American families like the Henleys, Goodwins, & Wigfalls who worked at the site as slaves and later free men and women. Redcliffe provides a setting for exploring the experiences of the enslaved, as well as the larger institution of slavery and reflects the historical experiences and impact of the white and black families who lived and worked at the site. The extant slave quarters, mansion, and iconic lane of magnolia trees planted in 1860 serve to highlight the plantation's rich and varied history. House Tours are offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. There are no tours available on Tuesday/Wednesday. If school groups are scheduled on a day tours are offered, the 11am tour will not be held. Please contact the park in advance if you are planning on attending an 11 a.m. tour.See more..
There are 2 buildings to see at this site...the Stone Block House and the traders house. These buildings were used in the 1790s and are extremely well preserved. If you are a history buff, you will want to see these buildings. There is a pond close by that you can walk to and Station Cove Falls is about a mile and a half round trip walk..nice falls that drop about 60 feet.See more..
One of only five National Historic Landmarks within Columbia, the Robert Mills House exemplifies the skill of the first architect born and trained within the United States who designed some of the nation's most prominent buildings, including the Washington Monument. Today, the structure stands as a testament of its designer's architectural ability and the preservation efforts of generations of Columbians. --- Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbia and Richland County's historic and cultural heritage.See more..
The tour of this historic home was totally worthwhile. The guide gave us a thorough overview of the Gist family and their slaves. He had copies of original documents he could show us to flesh out the history. A great deal of effort has been put in the restoration of this building and we learned about that process as well. Full marks also to the DAR for their work and support of the project. There is a nice picnic area in the shade, some of which is under a shelter. We didn't go on the brief nature trail, but some of us are planning to go back. The house tour is $10 (less for seniors, etc.) and reservations are suggested, but the rest of the grounds is free. Back down the road is the Gist family cemetery. Who knew this wonderful resource was available?See more..
The first stop was the replica farm house turned into a visitor's center. They have a neat diorama that takes you through the events of the battle. There is a walking trail near the visitor's center, but the battlefield walking trail is a short drive away. There are signs along the trail. Parking is available at both sites. Admission is $3.See more..
4.0Bloody Point Lighthouse(56 reviews) - Not your average lighthouse Historic Sites • Lighthouses
My first couple of visits, I thought that the lighthouse was missing, because a sign out on the entrance road talks about the light tower that was once there. I finally walked through and learned that the light was in the upstairs dormer window, and the tower was a second light used to align for n navigation. You should stop here when visiting, just to get a little island history. There is a small gift/snack shop, and walk behind the building to see the "almost an angel" live oak, examples of Carolina gold rice, indigo and sea island cotton plants, as well as some of the grapes used for the Silver Dew wine (winery near by, but don't expect much there. It's a small brick building out by the road that is sometimes open selling wine spritzers and bottles of the local wine.) There is also an eagles nest out back, but they tend to move on after the spring, so you may just see an empty nest. No admission fee, so stop by for a few minutes.See more..
4.5Fort Hill Plantation(55 reviews) - Home of John C. Calhoun & Thomas Green Clemson Historic Sites
A nice plantation house dating back to John C. Calhoun - lawyer, politician, U.S. Senator, and VP of the US from 1825-32 - and Thomas Green Clemson, founder of Clemson A&M College - now Clemson University. Located on the Clemson Campus, this combination of two architectural styles - Federal and Greek Revival - is a classic old southern plantation house. You can tour the grounds and area around the house and see the furnishings of the period time inside the house. You can see old grandfather clocks, a banjo clock, bed warmers, formal china service, kitchen area, living room, bedrooms, pictures of the family on the walls, an old piano, rifle and violin, and enjoy rooms full of artifacts and the period furnishing of a southern plantation home. The history of the times is explained by a very knowledgeable staff. The house is open Monday through Saturday - 10 A.M. to noon, and 1 - 4:30 PM, and on Sunday from 2 - 4:30 PM.See more..
One of Columbia's oldest remaining structures, the Hampton-Preston Mansion explores the lives of enslaved workers and their planter-class owners. This site is available for tours and as an outdoor rental space.See more..
4.5Glendale Shoals Preserve(39 reviews) - Beautiful trails Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
We were looking for some where cool to walk our dog while we were staying in Spartanburg. This was a gem and a great find. It was a beautiful walk beside a stream with waterfalls. I love waterfalls! There is part of the trail that goes up a hill. It is in a circle area. I'm not sure I would have found it if it weren't for our dog insisting to go that way. I was glad she did. We found ourselves in the middle of a field of bamboo. It was very cool to walk through. GPS took us to the wrong side of the bridge where there isn't any parking. After walking across the bridge we found parking so we moved our car instead of leaving it on the roadside. This was a very enjoyable morning walk.See more..
This state historic site is one of the few major battlefields from the Civil War in the state of South Carolina. Here you can learn the strategies and the tactics of this battle. On seeing the site, one can imagine the desperation of what was essentially militia attempting to stop an enemy from burning their homes, and, on the other side, boys far from home walking through flooded marsh into a hail of bullets so they could put an end to this war and go home themselves. This site also has some memorials to WW2 and other veterans and even a small vet cemetery. In addition, there are a couple of trails and some very pretty flooded marsh views at the battlefield. Check the website - this group of rangers often do programs that provide insight of the hardships from this time, from starting fires and making food to actual battlefield tours. Good stuff - Highly Recommend! See more..
4.5Governor's Mansion(30 reviews) - Informative and beautiful Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings
We joined a small school group tour. The tour guide handled the group well, with humor and patience. Beautiful property, interesting history. Highly recommend, whether you're from the state or not. To schedule a tour, fill out a contact form online with preferred times/dates. Arrive a few minutes early for your parking pass if you can find an empty parking space (I've not seen it full anytime we've visited the area); come with coinage just in case. Bathrooms are in the basement of first building on the governor's mansion grounds (where you get a parking pass). If you are wheelchair bound or have trouble with steps, you should call ahead to ask if this would be a problem.See more..
5.0Walhalla Performing Arts Center(19 reviews) - Concert Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Theaters
The Walhalla Performing Arts Center at the Historic Walhalla Civic Auditorium, (originally built in 1903, with the auditorium being added in 1913) strives to provide a world-class facility for performances, conferences & special events in order to enhance the cultural & social life of the Mountain Lakes Region in Upstate South Carolina. The Auditorium offers 456 seats including 140 in the balcony. The 100 seat reception hall is available for rental & serves as the concession area during our events. In 1993 the Walhalla Auditorium Restoration Committee created a charter, obtained a lease and a 501(c)3 designation & restoration began. The first performance was held in August 2003. The Walhalla Performing Arts Center at the Walhalla Civic Auditorium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.See more..
I went to both the historic site and the battlefield. There is onsite parking at both. The battlefield has a few monuments and markers, but there is not currently much to it. The gentleman at the historic site said they were planning on improvements. The historic site was unique, but due to a festival in the immediate area tours were suspended and most buildings were closed. Walking around was still pretty interesting. There is a 10 minute drive between sites. No one is physically located at the battlefield, but if you call in advance you can set up a walking tour for a small price.See more..
I have been to many house museums, but I have to say that the tour guides at Woodburn were the best I have ever heard. The information was presented in a very interesting way. The house was beautiful and very well presented. They even left one room unfinished so you could see the construction. The tour only costs $6.00, but it lasts at least 2 hours. They have to largest fig tree I have ever seen.See more..
The Columns is an excellent preservation of an 1850’s plantation home. The re-enactment of the Skirmish at Gambles Hotel is held here yearly in March. The site is a working plantation with cattle and a crawfish farm.See more..
4.5Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site(15 reviews) - Wowser! Pickens County did it right. Wonderful petroglyph site and show. Go see it. Tuesday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
The Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site is a museum located on the same grounds as the Hagood Mill Historic Site and is managed by the same parent non-profit organization, The Hagood Mill Foundation. The site features 32 prehistoric petroglyphs and is the most accessible and only protected rock art in the state. The site features an audiovisual presentation narrated by Tommy Charles, the archaeologist that led the investigation. The museum also has a number of portable petroglyphs and Native American artifacts, art and books. The Petroglyph Site is wheelchair accessible. This museum is just one stop on "Our Native Roots: An Interpretive Trail," the latest installment at the Hagood Mill Historic Site. This is a true gem of the state and is certainly worth a visit!See more..
Historic Old Pickens Cemeteries, Kiosk and Grounds are open for visitors every day of the year during daylight hours. Old Pickens Presbyterian Church is open with docents available from 2:30 to 5:00 on second and fourth Sundays from April through October. The Church is the lone remaining building of the town of Pickens Court House. It sits on the old Main Street (the old Cherokee Nation War Path) on a hill above the Keowee River.See more..
3.5Sams Plantation Complex Tabby Ruins(15 reviews) - Good insight into the history of Dataw Island Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Attended a lecture and tour of the ruin site arranged by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute. Gated, planned golf club community of Dataw Island is gorgeous, and this site sits right between part of a golf course and their tennis courts. The lecture was given in their brand new history center building, and outlined the history of this area and site over the last 12,000 years--from its original indian inhabitants to the Sams and other families and owners and their efforts to develop the island during the Colonial era through the Civil War and subsequent eras, and on up until the current day. Informed lecturers, the ruins were right outside the door, and both served to give us a good impression of what life might have been like here a few hundred of years ago.See more..
4.0Buford Battleground(14 reviews) - Massacre site during the Revolution Historic Sites
This was a neat stop! There is a few markers and monuments to go along with a grave site. It doesn't take much time to appreciate the historical aspect of the events that took place. No fee and plenty of parking.See more..
4.5Soapstone Baptist Church(14 reviews) - Great People and good food Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries • Churches & Cathedrals
Put the 3rd Saturday on the month on your calendar every month but Nov + dec for a great meal for a good cause. Great southern food (dont miss the fish) and friendly people. A nice ontribution to a small historic churchSee more..
4.5Old Courthouse(13 reviews) - Beautiful At Christmas Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
A group of us went over to see the Christmas decorations in Newberry. The Old Courthouse was beautifully decorated, so much so that I used a picture I took of it for our Christmas card.See more..
There is always something nice going on in Memorial Park-especially in summer-from the Saturday morning Farmer's Market to Friday night musicSee more..
4.5Suber's Corn Mill(9 reviews) - Best Corn Meal Ever Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Suber's have been running this mill for generations. It located on a small brook and they still use a water wheel to grind the corn. Good people. You can drop by the mill and buy direct. You will enjoy the visit. If you get lucky during your visit the old water wheel may be running that grinding stone.See more..
Went to hells gate and saw a ghost like figure run across the graveyard, didn't stick around too long to find out but it scared the crap outta me.See more..
