10 Historical Places In South Carolina - Updated 2024

historical places in south carolina
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located in the southeastern side of the United States, South Carolina is a state that is popular for its extensive shorelines of subtropical beaches and breathtaking sea islands. Tourists who visit this wonderful state get to enjoy staying in luxurious beach resorts and Airbnb vacation rentals. South Carolina also boasts of rich heritage and fascinating history. Lots of historical sites scattered across the states are testaments to that. While in South Carolina, be sure to check out the marvelous Fort Sumter National Monument. Also, stroll across the bustling district of Georgetown Historic District. You cannot end your South Carolina adventure without offering a prayer in the breathtaking and sacred Saint Michael’s Church. For more interesting sites, here is a list of historical places in South Carolina, USA. Feel free to check it out below.

1. Fort Sumter National Monument

FortsumterNM-welcome
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Staib used under CC BY-SA 3.0

When you get a chance to explore South Carolina, be sure to visit the fascinating Fort Sumter National Monument located in Middle Street, Sullivan Island. It is a sea fort and a national park in Charleston. Two battles in the history of the American Civil War took place in this iconic site, one on April 12, 1861, and the other one on September 8, 1863. It features a combination of heavy masonry and high walls which are strategic during the war era. Visit this site and step foot on a site that is significant in shaping the version of America today.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Address: South Carolina 29412, USA

Website: Fort Sumter National Monument

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

2. Georgetown Historic District

Georgetown, South Carolina Waterfront boardwalk with restaurants
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Shankbone used under CC BY 2.0

The Georgetown Historic District is a bustling coastal town that reflects the high-energy and friendly South Carolina culture. In total, it features 49 contributing buildings. It is a stunning waterfront community with chic hotels, as well as excellent dining options from exquisite restaurants to casual cafes. If you’re fond of frequenting shopping malls, you’ll also love the local retail businesses, souvenir stores, public parks, and recreational areas found in this district. On record, this area of Georgetown is acknowledged as the third oldest city in all of South Carolina. Visit Georgetown Historic District for some quality time shopping, dining, fishing, swimming, and relaxation.

Georgetown Historic District

Address: Georgetown, SC 29440, USA

Website: Georgetown Historic District

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

3. Nathaniel Russell House (from USD 47.0)

If you are Charleston-bound on your South Carolina adventure, you might be interested in this fantastic Charleston City sightseeing bus tour. Together with other tourists and comfortably seated in an air-conditioned bus, you will be toured in the city’s most iconic and historic landmarks, including St. Michael’s Church and Nathaniel Russel House - a Neo-classical home that is a landmark of Charleston City. This tour includes a professional guide that provides you with a narration of the historical significance of places you visit during the tour.

Visited this place?

Charleston City Sightseeing Small-Group Bus Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

956 reviews

4. Ninety Six National Historic Site


Ninety Six National Historic Site is also referred to as Old Ninety Six and Star Fort. It is a historic land that has witnessed battles in the history of American Civil Wars. Around a hundred lives were lost during the Revolutionary War. Nonetheless, these unfortunate events have cultivated a rich heritage background that roots from the 18th-century South Carolina. Visit the Ninety Six National Historic Site and join fantastic tour packages around the site or enjoy a day horseback riding in the vast lands.

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Address: 1103 SC-248, Ninety Six, SC 29666, USA

Website: Ninety Six National Historic Site

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm; Mon: 24 hours (closed on Tue)

Visited this place?

5. Saint Michael's Church

St. Michael's Episcopal Church - Charleston, SC
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Upstateherd used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint Michael’s Chuch is an iconic historic landmark and also one of the best places to visit in South Carolina. It is a marvelous Anglican church in downtown and also the oldest religious structure in the city. It showcases stunning Georgian architecture and majestic interiors with an airy ambiance. It’s been long-standing since the 1750s. Up to the present time, it has been continuously accepting guests and mass attendees during Sundays. Come over 71 Broad Street and visit Saint Michael’s Church to offer some prayers of thanks and well wishes.

Saint Michael's Church

Address: 71 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Website: Saint Michael’s Church

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri: 9am - 12:30pm; Sunday worship: 8am, 10:30am, 6pm (closed on Sat)

Visited this place?

6. Poinsett Bridge

historical places in south carolina | poinsett bridge
Source: instagram

Known as the oldest bridge in the history of South Carolina, Poinsett Bridge is an iconic landmark that was built in 1820. It features a Gothic structural design. It got its name in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett. Joel Roberts Poinsett was a US ambassador to Columbia. He was considered a prominent person in South Carolina. This heritage site is owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This site has excellent walking trails for tourists who need their routine cardio exercise.

Poinsett Bridge

Address: 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA

Website: Poinsett Bridge

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

7. Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site


Nesting in Broad Street, Camden, the Historic Camden Revolutionary War is a historic site and an open-air museum in one. It is within a 40-minute drive from Columbia. Acknowledged as South Carolina’s largest tourist attraction, this site features 107 acres (43.3 hectares) of land with an 18th-century house as the centerpiece. The Historic Camden Revolutionary War heritage site is open for tours to interested parties. Visit this vast landmark and know more about the history of Camden and its heritage.

Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

Address: 222 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020, USA

Website: Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 4 USD

Visited this place?

8. Fort Mitchel

historical places in south carolina | fort mitchel
Source: instagram

Nesting in 65 Skull Creek Drive, Fort Michael is a fortification of the American government during the height of the Civil War. It was built by Union Army forces in 1861 as a defense system. At the present time, the ruins of the war are no longer visible, but you can still see some representations of it, from tablets and signages to towering monuments. On the island, you can book lovely accommodations from excellent resorts and casual vacation homes if you want to stay in the area for vacation.

Fort Mitchel

Address: 65 Skull Creek Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

Website: Fort Mitchel

Visited this place?

9. Camden Battlefield


The Camden Battlefield in Camden is an infamous site of a revolutionary war that took place on August 16, 1780. The battle resulted in the success of General Charles Cornwallis, a British, and the continental army led by General Horatio Gate on the losing end. When you visit the site, you will only see an open space with towering trees. But look around and you will notice wooden crosses scattered across the site that symbolize and respect the people that gave their life for a very important cause.

Camden Battlefield

Address: 5 miles north of Camden on U.S. Routes 521 and 601, near Camden, South Carolina

Visited this place?

10. The Battery


If you want to dig dipper into the fascinating war heritage of South Carolina, be sure to visit The Battery in Charleston. It is an interesting landmark that features a defensive wall that was significant during the height of the Civil War. Built in 1670, it got its name from a defense artillery battery that serves as protection from the settlement behind it. The battery stretches extensively along the shores of Charleston.

The Battery

Address: Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

Explore the historic South Carolina

SC State House at evening
Source: Photo by user en:Florencebballer used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

South Carolina is a breathtaking state known for its breathtaking beaches and bustling seaport districts. It also features amazing theme parks and sites for romantic weekend getaways. But behind this glamorous facade, it treasures a fascinating history that is significant in shaping the America of today. There are lots of fascinating landmarks and historic sites throughout South Carolina. If you plan to visit the state any time soon, may this article of historical places in the state be your guide in planning an itinerary.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore South Carolina
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.