The Ten Best Historical Sites to Visit in South Carolina
South Carolina is a state that is filled with endless history to dive into. As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina’s birth as a member of the United States predates almost all of the others, going all the way back to the 16th century. While at the time it went by a different name and was united with North Carolina, South Carolina’s history is still undoubtedly richer and longer than most of the other states can claim. As a result, there are countless incredible historic places and monuments in South Carolina worth visiting. As a disclaimer, many of these places are located in and around Charleston due to the city’s prominence during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but there are several on this list from other parts of the state, too. This post will highlight the 10 best historical sites to visit in South Carolina.
1. Fort Sumpter National Monument
The American Civil War is one of the most significant events in modern history, and Fort Sumpter is the place where is technically began. After President Abraham Lincoln announced his plans to arm the fort for battle against the seceded South, the confederate army bombarded the fort with the first shots of the American Civil War. After the Civil War, Fort Sumpter was a U.S. military base during the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and is now commemorated as a National Monument.
2. Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site
Camden is a place that might not generate many headlines as a tourist site these days, but at one point in time it was one of the most significant places in the South and was the hub of British operations. This small town dates back centuries, and the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site hosts both the battlefield from the Battle of Camden and many important structures in and around it, like the Kershaw-Cornwallis House and McCaa’s Tavern. This place is always buzzing with events and activities, and tours are offered all year long.
3. Middleton Place
Middleton Place is the plantation estate of the Middleton family, which is one of the most important families in South Carolina history. Covering 110 acres, including 65 acres of landscaped gardens, this location is bursting with history and absolutely deserves a visit. Middleton Place acknowledges the dark past of American slavery in the south, and is committed to recognizing and commemorating the events that took place as well as honoring the contributions that the African and African-American slaves made to the American economy. Take a tour, watch a reenactment, and even visit the stables!
4. Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
This location is one of the most important historic sites in all of South Carolina, and its story is very broad, diverse, and unique. The Old Exchange Building in Charleston has played a vast list of roles in American history, as one of the only standing buildings where the American Constitution was ratified, a dungeon where prisoners of war were kept, an event space that hosted George Washington, a hub of the American slave trade, and more. Its story is wildly all over the place, but its historical significance is undoubtable. If you visit Charleston, this place is a must.
5. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Built in 2005 to replace two outdated bridges connecting Charleston and Mount Pleasant, this bridge is a modern architectural marvel. As the biggest cable-suspended bridge at its time in the United States, the bridge was the tallest structure in South Carolina and over 2.5 miles long. While the bridge isn’t really a place with things to do, a quick drive across it leads to beautiful views of the water and a great appreciation for modern civil engineering and architecture.
6. Ninety Six National Historic Site
Ninety Six, the revolutionary town that is also the home of Star Fort, is a very historic small town located south of Greenville. This town slowly grew to over 100 people during the pre-revolutionary period and prospered during and after the Revolutionary War. As the former home to a major ammunition storage facility and host of a battle during the war, this site has been preserved by the National Park Service and is a very relaxed, educational place to visit. Visitors can hike the one mile trail from the town of Ninety Six up to Star Fort or pop into the Ninety Six museum.
7. The USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier
Docked in the Charleston Harbor, the USS Yorktown is a battle-tested, highly decorated ship that fought in the Asian Pacific Front of World War II and then eventually the Vietnam War. This massive aircraft carrier served as a traditional aircraft carrier first before transitioning to a fighter jet carrier and an anti-submarine carrier. The ship is also famous for being the vessel to recover the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in 1968. Visitors can visit the museum onboard the ship and can take part in its interactive engine room experience.
8. Magnolia Cemetery
The Magnolia Cemetery, located outside of Charleston, is the resting place of several notable historic figures and is a different kind of stop to visit during your time in Charleston. Originally opening in 1850, this cemetery is the final resting place of governors, artists, scientists, writers, plantation owners, congressmen, and several of the men responsible for signing the documents of secession in 1860 and 1861. While there isn’t necessarily much to do in the cemetery, it is the final resting place of many of South Carolina’s most notable forefathers and can certainly be appreciated.
9. The Battery in Charleston
The Battery is a fortification that lines the shore in the Charleston Harbor. The Battery has held up through many conflicts and battles, and depending on where you are standing you can see Fort Sumpter or Fort Moultrie. The Battery is famous for the beautiful antebellum homes that line it. In 2012, the city of Charleston devoted millions of dollars to restoring the Battery to its former glory and beautified it significantly. A walk along a portion of the Battery is a great casual way to see some of the best that Charleston has to offer.
10. The South Carolina State House
The South Carolina State House is South Carolina’s congress building. The building opened in 1855 and still stands as a beautiful symbol of the strength and resilience of South Carolina as a state. The South Carolina State House is a visual reminder of the progression and advancement that South Carolina has experienced as a state, and a visit to the State House provides the opportunity for tours about South Carolina legislative history and a scavenger hunt oriented around South Carolina’s legislature.
Thanks for reading our post about the ten best historical sites to visit in South Carolina! Hopefully this post inspired you to visit some of our state’s most historic sites on your next visit. If you visit Myrtle Beach or any other place in South Carolina and fall in love, we’re here to help. We at The Boyd Team are committed to helping you find the right property for your needs and dreams. Any question that you have about moving to the area and finding your dream home by the beach is our pleasure to answer. Feel free to send us an email at eddie@boydteam.com or text or call us at (843) 222-8566, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Being true natives of the Grand Strand and Horry County and with over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market, whether buying or selling, we can help you make your dreams a reality.
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Written by Greg
