3 must-see historic landmarks in Georgetown, South Carolina

Prince George Winyah Parish Church, an Anglican church founded in 1721, is listed on the National Register as part of Georgetown’s Historic District. Named after Prince George, who later became George II of England, the church is one of the few colonial-era churches still in use today.

The current building on Broad Street, completed in 1755 after the original parish was divided to accommodate the area’s growing population, was badly damaged during both the Revolutionary War and the War between the States. After the revolution, during repairs, a balcony and a choir were added. In 1824 the church tower was added.

The interior of the church is a sight to behold, with hand-carved woodwork, flagstones, pews and English stained glass taken from St Mary’s Chapel on Hagley Plantation, a chapel built by Plowden CJ Weston and his slaves.

Stained glass windows were not found in colonial churches, however chest pews were common. Charcoal burners were often used by pew owners in the colder seasons when there was no heating system. The box benches kept the heat.

Prince George Winyah Parish Church is living out its vision well. Different types of services are available for all ages.

Worship services are held on Sundays and Wednesdays. You can attend virtually via live stream on the Prince George Winyah Parish Church official website if your need or preference.

In 1997, to fill a need identified in the community, Prince George Preschool opened at the church. More than 50 children are currently participating in the program.

In addition, the women of the church offer a tour of historic plantations and homes to preserve the rich history of the area.

You can catch one of four live performances per year by The Swamp Fox Players, or a film shown on the weekends between performances. The films shown are usually recent releases or art house films, which are difficult to find in multiplex cinemas. You can get tickets at The Swamp Fox Players official website by calling 843-527-2924 and selecting option 1, or in person at the box office. Group rates and season tickets are also available!

In addition to exhibits, you will find some artifacts from that period, photos, books, and a film that tells the history of the region, its people, and rice plantations. You can take a self-guided tour or pay a small fee for a tour, best for those who can walk and climb stairs. Tour guides are highly trained historians, one of whom received a state award for advocating the traditional art of folklore and the preservation of traditional traditions. You can read more about it and keep up to date with current events on the Rice Museum’s Facebook page.

Although the rice culture collapsed after the Civil War, it was responsible for making Georgetown the wealthiest of the original 13 colonies. This story is presented in a way that does not downplay or gloss over the role of the slaves and the atrocities committed against them. Although this part of history is unimaginably difficult, as has been said, “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”

The museum is located in the Old Market Building behind the famous Clock Tower and part of the adjacent Kaminski Hardware Building on Front Street. You will need at least an hour as there is so much to see and do in this museum. You can see the inside of the clock tower with paid admission. Military and student discounts are available.

Be sure to visit the gift shop which offers unusual and unique items such as handmade art, jewellery, paintings, sweet grass baskets and much more at a reasonable price, some locally sourced and others from around the world. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit the Rice Museum official website for more information.