Historical Sites

Churches ·  General ·  Landmarks ·  Museums ·  Plantations

In the late 1600s, English and French Huguenot planters settled our area. Their fierce independence and self-sufficiency, and strong, agrarian work ethic have defined our regional mentality. Many families here proudly trace their roots to these settlers. Gratefully, society has made many advances since those centuries. However, we are linked by common experiences, a shared past and, above all, a love of the land. We're proud of our communities and are working together and are excited about the future.

The Lords Proprietors early referred to the area around Charles Towne as Berkeley County, with the name Berkeley coming from John, Lord Berkeley and Sir William Berkeley.

Several national figures, including Revolutionary War General William Moultrie, called this home. The elusive Swamp Fox, General Francis Marion, tormented British legions occupying much of South Carolina. He emerged from our swamps, attacking with his small band of marauders, then retreating like a ghost into the misty backwaters of his homeland where the Redcoats could never find him.

Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, resided at Mepkin Plantation. Centuries later, publisher Henry Luce and Clare Boothe Luce, a writer and a diplomat, bought Mepkin. They loved it so much they were buried there.

Churches

Brick ruins of former church dating back to American Revolution; was razed by British to thwart holding supplies. Old cemetery is lovely with interesting tombstones.

[ top ]

St. James Episcopal Church, built in 1714, bears the Royal Arms of Great Britain over the chancel. For this reason, British soldiers spared the church during the American Revolution. Located in the pine woods off Old State Road (off Hwy. 52) in Goose Creek. (Not Open To The Public)

Circa mid-1700s, church represents combined parishes and was site of buried church silver to hide it from federal troops. Church overseer was hung three times in attempt to extract whereabouts of buried silver, but he never revealed the site. (Not Open To The Public)

Old wooden church was built for worship by a Presbyterian lady from Edisto Island; later given back to a black congregation. Well preserved. (Not Open To The Public)

[ top ]

General

Located at the Berkeley Museum, the first semi-submersible torpedo boat used in October 1863 Civil War harbor attack. Original sub was built on site at Stony Landing Plantation.

This eighteenth century dwelling was the home of the plantation overseer and his family on Dean Hall Plantation on the west branch of the Cooper River. Moved to Moncks Corner and restored in 1968, the building now houses the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce.

Located on the grounds of Bayer, Inc., these vats were used in the manufacture of the blue dye derived from the cultivated indigo plant. (Not Open To The Public)

[ top ]

Landmarks

Burial place of lowcountry's famous "Swamp Fox" general who outwitted the British in the American Revolution. Peacefull resting place in a forested area.

Cemeteries of the plantations by whose same names located in the Pineville area. Old tombstones. (Not Open To The Public)

American and British armies, both equal in manpower, met in an encounter here in July, 1781, resulting in a loss of sixty Americans and one hundred forty five British soldiers. (Not Open To The Public)

[ top ]

Museums

Berkeley Museum

Located on the grounds of Stony Landing Plantation, the Berkeley Museum preserves and presents centuries of fascinating Berkeley County History. A visit here takes you on a journey through 13,000 years of history. Exhibits and artifacts focus on General Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox), the first Americans (the Archaic Indians), colonial life, the Civil War, early medicine, rural electrification, early education, and Francis Marion National Forest.

803-899-5101
950 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Contact: Debbie Reynolds

[ top ]

Plantations

Family farm home of former South Carolina governor Robert McNair located near Jamestown and Hell Hole Swamp. Former site of lancing tournaments on property. (Not Open To The Public)

Originally the home to Maj. Isaac Harleston who served with General Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion, property today is wildlife preserve. Open to the public, but visitors are asked to stop at caretaker's house. (Not Open To The Public)

Circa 1774, lovely plantation home on scenic Cooper River was site of river battle in which Col. Wade Hampton surprised British and destroyed several boatloads of supplies, taking seventy-eight prisoners. Home to former U.S. Senator Rembert C. Dennis, whose family still lives there. (Not Open To The Public)

Circa 1699, oldest wooden building in South Carolina's lowcountry located on rice fields on Cooper River. Porch on main house bears sword slashes from Civil War. (Not Open To The Public)

Now located in affluent Otranto subdivision, this was the manor house for the extensive plantation and home to Alexander Garden, a local botanist, for whom the gardenia flower is named. (Not Open To The Public)

Rice Hope Plantation

Lovely B&B on broad expanse of old rice fields was once plantation home and later a boy's home. Antiques in every room. Exceptional dining experience.

[ top ]