South Carolina is filled with hospitality, ocean views and rich history. From the cobblestone streets to tales of the revolutionary and civil wars that played out here, history abounds. Check out these historic towns in South Carolina to immerse yourself in the culture of a bygone era.
Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina – and one of the largest. Charleston definitely deserves a mention and a visit. Let’s also explore five smaller towns where history comes alive.
Let’s start with the quaint town of Beaufort, founded in 1711, making it the second oldest town in South Carolina. 19th-century seaside villas have been preserved in all their glory.
The house at 601 Bay Street was built in 1852 and served as a Union general’s headquarters during the Civil War. Beaufort National Cemetery contains graves from the Civil War and all American conflicts since. Nearby Hunting Island State Park is home to a lighthouse that was built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. Visit Beaufort’s website to plan your trip.
Next we have Georgetown, the third oldest city in South Carolina, incorporated in 1729. By 1732 it was developing into a busy port, the second busiest port in the state after Charleston.
Look for the plaques around the historic business district that commemorate events of the past, and visit the Georgetown website to learn more about the city’s history.
Georgetown, SC 29440, United States
Welcome to Cheraw, a city named for the Cheraw Indians and incorporated in 1820. City Hall, which highlights the Victorian architecture, was used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War.
The cemetery has both marked and unmarked Civil War graves. What is believed to be the oldest surviving house, built in 1780, is located at 230 Third Street. Visit the Cheraw website to learn more about the history of this city.
Welcome to the coastal town of Bluffton, South Carolina, often referred to as the heart of the Low Country. Built in 1857 on a cliff above the River May, the Kreuzkirche survived both the civil war and a fire.
Visit Bluffton’s website to plan your trip and watch this video about the town’s history.
The last stop on our tour is the college town of Newberry. The Old Newberry County Courthouse, built in 1852, the Opera House, the Arts Center and the Museum are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Newberry College was founded in 1856. Visit the Newberry website to plan your trip.
Visiting these five historic South Carolina cities is like stepping back in time. In fact, South Carolina has plenty of charming historic towns—in addition to these five—including Camden, the oldest inland city, and Aiken, to name a few. Make your way across the state to soak up the history that hides in plain sight, in every nook and cranny, and around every corner.
Have you visited these historic towns in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us!
Check out our other article on day trips in South Carolina.
Address: Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Address: Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Address: Beaufort, SC, USA
Address: Georgetown, SC 29440, United States
Address: Bluffton, SC, USA
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