Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve

The date was January 1, 1863, when former enslaved Beaufortonians crossed over into Fort Frederick from Port Royal, Beaufort, and the surrounding sea islands to hear the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in the southern states. This event marked the most dynamic occurrence in the fort’s 289-year history.

Fort Frederick was built by the British colonial government between 1733 and 1735. It is the oldest surviving tabby fort in South Carolina and the oldest tabby structure in Beaufort County. Tabby was a building material used in the early days of the coastal south. Sand, lime, oyster shells and water were burned and mixed to form an early version of concrete. Tabby was poured into molds to form foundations, walls, columns, and blocks. Examples of tabby can still be seen all throughout the historic district of Beaufort. Even the city’s sea wall is made from tabby.

Fort Frederick was established after the Yemassee War in Port Royal to protect against possible attacks by the Spanish. It also served as an outpost to signal “Beaufort Town” of approaching ships. The fort remained active until 1758. The small 75-ft by 125 ft fort contained barracks, a powder magazine and gun platforms. It was located along the Beaufort River behind a parapet with a battery of guns protecting the river and town of Beaufort.

British Regulars were posted at the fort, but luckily never saw attack. A larger, stronger fort was established just upriver, and Fort Frederick was abandoned.  The deserted fort fell into disrepair and wouldn’t see use again until 1861. Union Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson brought activity back to the fort site after the Battle of Port Royal. After the historic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, newly freed citizens were given the opportunity to enlist in the Union Army. He and his new regiment of black soldiers used the property as headquarters. The site was named Camp Saxon, after General Rufus Saxon, commander of the Beaufort District.

Before the start of the Civil War, Fort Frederick was absorbed into the Smith Plantation. Parts of the tabby structure were used as a dock for boats serving the plantation. During Beaufort’s “Great Skedaddle” Smith’s Plantation was abandoned, and the Union troops moved in. Colonel Higginson and his new soldiers would become the African American 1st South Carolina Regiment of Volunteers. Together they listened to the first reading of the Emancipation in the center of a crowd which was estimated well into the thousands. In 1863 the fort and its surrounding plantation land were sold for non-payment of $93.40 in back taxes. The US government purchased the property for $1,000.00. Part of this site was developed into the US Naval Hospital in 1949.

Image from the SC Department of Natural Resources.

Archaeologists with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Institute of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of South Carolina excavated the site in 2014 to inventory the grounds. They also rebuilt the remaining tabby walls to give visitors a more complete image of what the fort once looked like. This work also protected the remaining tabby material. A portion of the structure is underwater today due to the river changing course.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Beaufort County now maintain the area as the Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve. The six-acre park is a mix of hardwood forest, maritime forest, and salt marshes on the Beaufort River. Located at 601 Old Fort Road in Port Royal, the preserve is open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk. The preserve includes a public access point, parking area and picnic pavilion, as well as the tabby fort ruins.

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Auldbrass Plantation

Auldbrass view toward the pool. Image by Anthony Peres.

Nestled amongst the live oaks and cypress swamps of the Combahee River sits a unique treasure. Hidden from passersby, this lovely jewel is only open for tours one weekend, every other year. The legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed only one plantation during his legendary career. Luckily for us, it sits just outside the town of Yemassee.

Image by CBS Sunday Morning.

“Auldbrass” was established in 1938. Over 4,000 acres from Old Brass, Mount Alexander, Richfield, Old Combahee, and Charlton plantations were combined and given to C. Leigh Stevens (from Michigan) for reorganizing the Savannah River Lumber Company. In 1939 Stevens commissioned Wright to envision and design a self-sufficient, modern plantation for farming, hunting and entertaining. Wright called on his principles of organic architecture to design a complex that would exist in harmony with its surrounding Lowcountry landscape. Wright, not being a fan of the more traditional right angle, designed walls to slope at an 80 degree, to mimic the live oaks on the property. He also looked to the property’s cypress trees for inspiration for exterior siding. Wright named this complex Auldbrass.

Image found on Pinterest.

Initial drawings and plans of the house and complex were finished by 1940. Hexagonal shapes and inward sloping walls, with low lying ceilings were the theme. By 1941 the farm buildings were nearly completed, and the main house was in the beginning stages. Work was halted in 1942 due to World War II and shortages of supplies.

An example of the copper Spanish moss-inspired downspout can be found near the pool.
Image by Ed Forgotson.

Wright’s plans included a low-lying complex of geometric pavilions, outbuildings, stables and kennels. The main house was supplemented with multiple guest cottages and service quarters. Plans also included a swimming pool, laundry, and bath houses for the staff. Decorative motifs inspired by local flora compliment the design. A great example of this can be seen in the down spouts designed to resemble Spanish moss. The downspouts were not realized until the 1980s because WWII caused a shortage of building materials. By 1946 Stevens was ready to resume construction. He moved into the completed caretaker’s cottage to oversee construction. Very little was done between 1946-1948 because Stevens began guest lecturing at Harvard Business School. Frank Lloyd Wright died in 1959, the Stevens followed in 1962. Neither saw the project completed.

Image found on the Island Packet.

Stevens’ daughter Jessica Loring took over ownership of Auldbrass in 1971. She and her husband managed the estate and produced corn and soybeans. They made extensive repairs to the buildings with their profits. They also replaced the roof, upgraded the mechanical systems and eliminated changes made to Wright’s original designs. By this time visitors became curious about the plantation. Jessica and her husband welcomed them in and gave tours. The Lorings also did something very important for the property. They nominated Auldbrass for the National Register of Historic Places. By 1979 the Lorings were ready to sell the property.

Image by Anthony Peres.

The cost of upkeep was more than they were able to accomplish. The Boise Cascade Timber Company purchased the property, except the Old Combahee tract, which they retained for themselves. Westvaco quickly bought the property, selling the buildings and a small tract of land to local hunters. Unfortunately, they could not manage the buildings and they quickly fell into disrepair. Beaufort County Open Land Trust became involved with the property. It was decided to place an easement on the property and sell at a drastically reduced price.

Bluebird Cottage image by Ed Forgotson.

Hollywood producer Joel Silver purchased the property in 1987. Silver had long been a fan of Wright’s architecture. He lives in the Storer House in Los Angeles, which was designed by Wright and built in 1923. Silver enlisted the help of Eric Lloyd Wright, grandson of the designer. Together they set out to restore the buildings on the property and complete Wright’s vision. His plan has four stages: restore all original buildings as designed, rebuild destroyed buildings, complete unbuilt projects, and add structures needed by Silver, mimicking Wright’s style. Silver and his team have spent the last 35 years realizing this dream.

Shades of rust and brown help the structures blend in naturally with their surroundings. The low-lying, rambling main house feels like a hunting lodge, complete with all the trappings of comfort. The symmetry that is so prevalent in traditional plantation homes has been cast aside for this one-story, sprawling home. In fact, all buildings on the property are one level and no single grand drive leads to the house.  

Even the windows join in on the geometric fun! Image by Ed Forgotson.

Visitors to Auldbrass will have to look hard to find a right angle in Wright’s buildings. Staff quarters, barn, guest cottages, and even the pool and hot tub all have an abundance of obtuse and acute angles. While the windows are squared, their panes are not.

Interior image by Anthony Peres.

Geometry is at play in the interior of Auldbrass as well. The wall angles and windowpane designs are much more visible inside. Even the furniture was designed by Wright, with the same design principles. Much of the furniture had to be replaced when Silver restored the plantation, but as luck would have it, the purchase came complete with Wright’s original blueprints for the plantation structures and furniture designs. The home is currently furnished as Wright envisioned it.

Beaufort Open Land Trust image of the livingroom.

There’s only one way visitors can tour this beautiful plantation. Every two years the Beaufort Open Land Trust schedules tours for one weekend. For more information visit BeaufortOpenLandTrust for more information. For more information about other sights to see in the Yemassee area visit YemasseeDrivingTour.

Location: Combahee River, 7 River Road in Yemassee East of Yemassee on River Road, Beaufort County.

A special thank you to Gayle Kovach for suggesting we share a story on this iconic Lowcountry treasure, and for enjoying the Driving Detour Through Yemassee blog.

Even the Auldbrass dock on the Combahee River shares the same design principles. Photo by Carmen Pinckney
Map from Beaufort Open Land Trust tour program.
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The Pocotaligo Expedition

October 21-23, 1862

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

The Battle of Pocotaligo was an American Civil War Battle fought on October 22, 1862. Union troops sailed up the Broad River and landed at Mackay Point. They proceeded inland across creeks, swamps fields of cotton and potatoes. Along the way they met Rebel forces and battery fire at Frampton Plantation.

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

“The (Pocotaligo) Expedition was designed to accomplish the following objectives: First, to make a complete reconnaissance of the Broad River and its three tributaries, Coosawhatchie, Tullifiny, and Pocotaligo; second, to test practically the rapidity and safety with which a landing could be effected; third, to learn the strength of the enemy on the main-land, now guarding the Charleston and Savannah Railroad; and fourth, to accomplish the destruction of so much of the (rail)road as could be effected in one day. At this season of the year I did not deem it prudent to expose the troops upon the main-land for a longer period” (October is hurricane season) – Major General O. M. Mitchel, Commander of the Federal Department of the South

Image from Route of the Expedition October 22, 1862 map, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Modern graphics added by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission for clarification purposes.

The ultimate goal of the Union Army at Pocotaligo was to destroy the Pocotaligo River railroad bridge and cut communication wires. If accomplished, this act would cut off supplies, Rebel reinforcements and communication between the two cities.  Scouts and spies were sent along with a group of freed blacks. They set out to examine boat landings, measure water depth and cut the telegraph wires.

Major General Mitchel ordered Union troops to sail up the Broad River and land at the mouth of the Pocotaligo River, at MacKay’s Point. Major General Mitchel fell ill and handed over command to Brigadier General John M. Brannan. They started sailing at 12:30 am. Upon landing around 6 am, Union troops disembarked with horses and guns. They began marching up the MacKay Point Road by 10 am. They were heading to the old town of Pocotaligo, just seven miles away. One of the boats used was the Planter, a previous Confederate ship that was liberated by Robert Smalls, a former slave from Beaufort. (He had just recently sailed the ship past Confederate forces in Charleston and handed over control of the ship to the Union Army. He joined the Union Army and became the captain of the very boat he liberated.)

Colonel William S Walker was the Confederate Commander responsible for defending the Charleston to Savannah Railroad. He received word by 9 am that the enemy was landing in force, from twelve gunboats and transports.  Union troops were also ascending the Coosawhatchie River with four transports. Confederate troops were immediately ordered to march to Old Pocotaligo. Both sides engaged in combat all along the road inland, from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

Upon landing at MacKay’s Point, Union forces were met with tough terrain. The area was wooded and swampy. This made transport of heavy artillery challenging. Once the Union forces were out of reach from the gunboat artillery, the Confederate forces attacked at Caston’s Plantation. The terrain provided a natural barrier to aid in their defenses. A battery of dead trees from Frampton Plantation was also set up as a defense. Confederate field artillery was placed on either side of the road. This sent Union forces to cross an open field and open causeway.

According to Union officer Col. Good, “We scoured the woods, and after four hours of the most fatiguing labor I ever performed we came to an open space. It is no child’s play to go through the woods of South Carolina. They are one interminable growth of small shrubs, briars, and swamps. Our faces and hands were torn badly, in some cases, while our clothes suffered more. Again we pushed forward through a field with weeds higher than our heads. This terminated in a cotton field, where the riflemen of the enemy were posted, and then flanked by another dense wood. In this open field the battle opened “

Captain Stephen Elliot was in command of the Beaufort Light Artillery, stationed between Frampton land and Mackay’s Point. He reported, “A little before 12, I opened on their (Union) advancing line in Uncle George’s corn field with two howitzers supported by half a company of infantry and some calvary. We continued to fire until they moved within two hundred and fifty yards of us when we limbered up, crossed over a bridge and opened with one gun.”

From The Battle of Pocotaligo, South Carolina, Lewis G. Schmidt, 1993.

Union forces advanced to Frampton Creek by 1 pm. There were two positions occupied by Confederate soldiers on the property. The first position was south of the swamp at the sweet potato field. The second was just north at the causeway near the corn and cotton fields. The swamp was unpassable at this point and passage could only be reached by the causeway. They spent the next hour and a half in tough battle on the property.

Close-up image from Route of the Expedition October 22, 1862 map, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Colonel Good of the Union Forces 1st Brigade reported, “We proceeded but little more than a mile when a battery opened upon us from the Frampton Plantation. Here, as the rebels had a great advantage of position, ensconced in a wood with a deep swamp in front, passable only by a narrow causeway, the bridge of which had been destroyed, we had a large number killed and wounded. …In front of the stream is a strip of woods about five hundred yards wide, and in front of the woods a marsh of about two hundred yards, with a small stream running through it, parallel with the woods. A causeway also extends across the swamp, and on the right of it the swamp is impassable. Here the enemy opened a terrible fire of shell from the rear of the woods.”

Colonel Good goes on to describe the landscape of the low-lying Frampton Plantation, “On our side of the swamp and along the entire front and flanks of the enemy (extending to the swamp), was an impervious thicket, intersected by a deep-water ditch, and passable only by a narrow road…We found the rebels posted in a small wood with infantry and artillery. A ditch fronted the woods, then came an open cotton field. Line of battle was formed, and skirmishers were called in.”

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

“Here, protected by the trees and the thick brush, and having in their favor all the advantages of the ground and road across the marsh. Our artillery was placed this side the marsh in a potato field; the infantry in the woods in front…This road ran through a sweet potato field covered with vines and brush.”

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

The second position at Frampton Plantation was very costly for the Union forces. Elias Bryant of the 4th New Hampshire wrote the Rebels “Made a stand at a bridge which they tore up after them. When we got there, we took the front and the 6th Connecticut the rear. The bridge being flanked on both sides, it was almost impossible to cross and here took place considerable of a fight, in which we lost pretty heavily.”

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

By 1:30pm the Union Army’s Second Brigade joined the First, pushing rebel forces into the marsh. This inflicted serious damage on the Confederate batteries. Many rebel gunners were killed, but sharp shooters were positioned to pick off Union soldiers. Heavy artillery fire from the Union soldiers persisted as they made repairs to the destroyed bridge. They quickly advanced and debated ways to pass through the next swamp and avoid the Rebel sharpshooters. Cannon fire from howitzers was aimed into the trees to dislodge the sharp shooters, and the Union Army advanced once again.  

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

According to Adrian Terry of the 7th Connecticut, “We had no means of estimating their force except from the weight of their fire but think that is could not have been less than two thousand, the position which they occupied making this number fully equal to any which we could bring against them. The fight at this point and indeed until the latter part of the day was almost entirely one of artillery, our infantry lying down in line of battle ready to act at a moment’s warning and the artillery gradually driving the enemy from one strong position to another until he reached Pocotaligo Creek.”

From The Battle of Pocotaligo, South Carolina, Lewis G. Schmidt, 1993.

By 3pm the Union forces had pushed the Confederates back to where the Mackay Point Road met the Coosawhatchie Road (King’s Highway). They further pushed them across the Pocotaligo Bridge, which they destroyed after crossing to prevent the Union soldiers from crossing. The creek was deep, and the banks were boggy, which made an impassable ditch. The Rebel army retreated to a heavy battery that was positioned on high ground. The Rebels were protected by an earthwork and one piece of light artillery. “While retreating they kept up a brisk and continuous firing, taking advantage of every good position for their artillery while their sharp-shooters, protected by the trees and their knowledge of the ground, kept up an irregular, but harassing fire of musketry.” Capt. Gobin, 47th Pennsylvania.

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

The Union soldiers were happy that the Rebels destroyed the Pocotaligo Bridge, as that was one of their goals. The supply line road between Savannah and Charleston had been cut. Once the Rebels retreated further the Union soldiers began cutting trees to bridge the river. Rebels continued to fire upon the Union army. The Charleston and Savannah Train whistle could be heard, bringing Rebel reinforcements. “Timber for the purpose of rebuilding this bridge was prepared by the Engineers and was ready to be put together when the retreat was ordered.” Reported Colonel Edward Serrell, Union Engineer. The Union Army, now completely without ammunition, retreated to Mackay Point and their gunboats. The Rebels were unable to follow the eight Union regiments because their numbers were around 250. The sun was also due to set. Confederate Captain Stephen Elliot wrote to his wife the following day, “God has mercifully protected your husband. Half of yesterday was passed in a shower of bullets. How any of the artillery escaped is almost a miracle for the trees under which we fired are thickly studded with bullets.

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

According to Union Colonel Bell, “At about five o’clock Lieutenant Colonel Sleeper of the 4th New Hampshire, received the order to retire. We fought ‘til after supper, eating while lying in the woods preparing for the retreat. Our regiment was last to leave as rear guard to bury the dead and bring in the wounded…We buried them in their blankets under the trees. We followed the retreat by four ranks carrying dead officers and the wounded in blankets…and on stretchers for seven miles.”

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

Sunset occurred at around 5:20pm that day. The fight had lasted from 1 o’clock to nearly six o’clock. According to the History of the First Light Battery Connecticut Volunteers, “Our men fought splendidly. Most of the fighting was through swamps and in cotton fields. Several times they got into mud so deep they had to help one another out.” By 7pm the Rebel forces were headed back across the Pocotaligo River towards Frampton land. Along the way, Confederate soldiers found all the supplies that had been shed by Union soldiers on their pursuit through the marsh. Overcoats, haversacks, canteens, hats, shoes, ammunition, chests, cartridge boxes, and bayonets were scattered across the path. The Tri-Weekly Watchman October 27, 1862, edition reported, “The abolition troops in their retreat, left the ground strewn with excellent knapsacks, filled with Yankee notions of various kinds. They also threw aside large numbers of carefully prepared fagots, to be used for incendiary purposes.” As they retreated towards Mackay Point, they also destroyed a bridge so Confederate forces could not pursue them in their retreat. Union soldiers also managed to cut the telegraph lines during their campaign. The lines were repaired, and communication was restored the following day.

Image from Frampton Plantations reenactment of the Battle of Pocotaligo.

By 8pm the Union troops made their way back to Frampton property, their first battle ground of the day. Colonel Goode reported, “Here my regiment was relieved of rear-guard duty by the 4th New Hampshire Regiment. This gave me the desired opportunity to carry my dead and wounded from the field and convey them back to the landing.” By 11pm the troops were boarding ships. The rear guard did not clear the fields until midnight and made their way back to the boats by morning.

Captain William Elliot of the Beaufort Light Artillery reported, “I slept the night of the fight upon their battleground and there were twenty-two Union dead in bisquit throw of me, it was amazing how indifferent we were to their being dead. Captain Hamilton and myself took a dead fellow’s haversack and cooked his pork upon the hot coals and ate our breakfast at four o’clock in the morning. It was very good too.” The Confederate forces did not pursue Union troops. A reconnaissance was made to Mackay Point, and it was discovered that the Union troops had abandoned the mainland. By the 24th, the gunboats had disappeared.

The Battle of Pocotaligo
From Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, October 21, 1862.

According to the S. F. Dupont letters from October 23, 1862, “We have gained a victory, but at a fearful cost. The expedition did not result in the material success which was hoped for it; but of our troops, who crowded on shipboard, many were deprived of rest, who marched the next day ten miles and fought the enemy six hours; who returned hungry, thirsty, worn and weary, and today are busily re-embarking, I think too much cannot be said in praise. They have answered the most ardent expectations of their commanders.”

At the conclusion of the battle, Union casualties were 61 killed, 276 wounded and 6 missing. Confederates reported 21 killed, 124 wounded and 18 missing. (Official Records Army, Vol. 14, Chap. XXVI, Page 148.)

Although the first three objectives were met, the Union troops did not make it to the railroad on this particular day. Reconnaissance of the Broad River and its tributaries was completed, boat landings were effected on those tributaries and intelligence was gathered on the strength of the enemy on the mainland. The Union Army could not make it to the railroad to destroy the tracks. The area of Pocotaligo would fall to Union control on January 15, 1865. The 17th Corps with General Sherman and the black infantry regiment of the 54th Massachusetts advanced across the Lowcountry. Frampton Plantation houses would also be burned at this time. Not much evidence can be seen today that reminds us of what happened in our backyard, so long ago. There is one tell-tale sign that is still visible. The “Frampton Line” earthworks were raised on this site by General Robert E. Lee’s troops in 1962. This 100-yard fortification was a fall-back position from which to defend the Charleston to Savannah Railroad. While not as visible today as it once was, it is labeled on the “Map of the Rebel Lines of the Pocotaligo, Combahee and Asheepoo” used during the Civil War. It can be seen just behind the Frampton House that was rebuilt in 1886. Google Maps show the earthworks as it extends deep into the woods.

Arial view above the current Frampton House showing what’s left of the earthworks behind the house. Visitors can view this in the backyard.

Sources:

The Pocotaligo Expedition, Robert McNair, 1997
The Battle of Pocotaligo, South Carolina, Lewis G. Schmidt, 1993

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Good Morning Lowcountry!

Good Morning America Comes to the Lowcountry!

Image from Rise and Shine, Only On Good Morning America.

The morning crew of Good Morning America spent some time in the South Carolina Lowcountry focusing their attention on the rich Gullah culture of the Beaufort sea islands. According to the Gullah Geechie Corridor website, “The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on the rice, indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations of the lower Atlantic coast.  Many came from the rice-growing region of West Africa.  The nature of their enslavement on isolated island and coastal plantations created a unique culture with deep African retentions that are clearly visible in the Gullah Geechee people’s distinctive arts, crafts, foodways, music, and language.”  The ancestors of the Gullah Geechie people of the Lowcountry continue the traditions of their forefathers and celebrate their rich heritage on a daily basis.

Image of Kenneth Moton and Mary LeGree from GMA3.

University of South Carolina graduate and Good Morning America reporter Kenneth Moton spent time with Beaufort natives Mary Rivers LeGree, Victoria Smalls and Anita Singleton Prather. Mary Rivers LeGree is a native of St Helena Island. She lives on land purchased by her ancestors during Reconstruction. Her roots are deep in the Gullah community. She is protector of the Coffin Point Praise House, which sits not too far from her home. She is also the voice for Gullah Culture at the Beaufort Visitors Center, where she educates tourists about her rich heritage. Concerned Gullah Geechie traditions will fade away with the younger generations, Mary LeGree wants places like the Coffin Point Community Praise House to be a source of inspiration to educate and preserve a culture that helped build a nation.

Image of Victoria Smalls and Kenneth Moton from GMA3.

Victoria Smalls is the executive director of the Gullah Geechie Cultural Heritage Corridor. This area spans the Atlantic coastline from North Carolina to Florida. She shared the story of Beaufort hero Robert Smalls. He was one of the first African Americans to serve in congress. After the Civil War, this Gullah statesman purchased the property where he was formerly a slave. He advocated for black land ownership. Victoria Smalls shared her ancestors purchased 20 acres after the war and it has been handed down over the years.

Image of Gullah Gullah Island from GMA3.

Gullah culture became well known during the 1990s with the production of Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island, starring St. Helena Island’s own Ron and Natalie Daise, along with their children. The tv show explained the rich and pure culture. Since then, many shows have aired that show the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechie culture, including a recent Netflix episode of “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”.

Image of Anita Singleton Prather from Rise and Shine, Only On Good Morning America.

From the sanctuary of the Beaufort Tabernacle Baptist Church, Gullah storyteller Anita Singleton Prather spoke of the importance of the Gullah culture as a culture of survival. She spoke of it “…as a trophy of perseverance…of people that went through horrible things, and could have been completely wiped out, but not only die we survive, but we continued to thrive…We’re still here.”

For more information about other Gullah landmarks in the Lowcountry visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/african-american-cultural-sites-across-the-lowcountry/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krbSa9vk2AA&t=97s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe12ebnQoak&t=23s
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Beaufort’s First Friday Event

Come over to beautiful Beaufort, SC to shop, dine, dance, play and socialize.

Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know who you’ll see at Beaufort’s First Friday event!

The historic town of Beaufort is big on tradition and social gathering. This Lowcountry town has dedicated a special day each month for just such occasions. Come over to Beaufort on the First Friday of every month. Bay Street will be closed to traffic in the evening so people can gather and have a good time. The shops are unique, the food is divine and the people are one-of-a-kind! Experience southern hospitality in the heart of the Lowcountry!

Holidays are especially fun at First Friday.

First Friday is a celebration of Downtown shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and community. It’s a fun night for the downtown businesses and for locals! Come explore downtown galleries, shopping, and eateries throughout the evening. Bay Street is closed to vehicle traffic from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy entertainment and live demonstrations too! The event is free and open to all ages.

The downtown stores always stay open late for First Friday!
beaufort first friday
Downtown shops are always open late for this monthly event.

December’s First Friday kicks off Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend. This fun three-day event includes Night on the Town, a lighted boat parade and Christmas parade. Be sure to add this to your calendar of events.

beaufort first friday
Dancing on the street is always a big event at Beaufort’s First Friday events!
beaufort first friday
Beaufort’s First Friday is always a highly anticipated monthly event.
Shop, dance, dine & play!
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Port Royal Farmers Market

Come hungry and leave happy!

The Port Royal Farmers Market sets up in the Naval Heritage Park every Saturday, from 9-12. You will find a vast selection of fresh, local and seasonal produce, along with shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese.

If you’re lucky Carolina Kidz will be there with a Nigerian Dwarf Goat to pet. They provide a wonderful selection of raw goat’s milk, drinkable yogurt, goat cheese; chevre, ricotta & feta and goat cheese cheesecake.

Daise Produce, along with many other produce vendors will be on hand with a large selection of farm fresh goodies. Come early for the best selections.

Shoppers will also find plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees, and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets.

​Check out the prepared food vendors serving; BBQ, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.

Come hungry and have coffee and a breakfast sandwich while you peruse the vendors. Make sure to bring your market basket so you can fill it with local goodies. For a list of vendors and a description of their products visit the Port Royal Farmers Market Website. For a complete list of Lowcountry farmers markets and the days they are open, visit SouthCarolinaLowcountry.com/farmersmarkets.

​Port Royal Farmers Market at Naval Heritage Park
Ribault Road and Pinckney Street.
Open every Saturday from 9 to 12.

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Meet me at the Bluffton Farmers Market!

If you are in the vicinity of Bluffton on any given Thursday afternoon, you should find your way to the Bluffton Farmers Market. Located in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, the market has something for everyone. The market is teaming with fresh produce, sweets, prepared foods, fresh pasta, dog treats and much, much more.

Park the car and have lunch at one of the many restaurants that are just steps away. Lunch can also be purchased at the market and taken to the Heyward House where tables are set up around a backyard fire pit.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to browse the many unique stores in the area after visiting the market booths. Most shops are housed in restored structures along Calhoun Street and its intersections. Converse with shop owners and view their one-of-a-kind items.



The Bluffton Farmers Market is open every Thursday from, 12-5 p.m. – Year-Round.
Farm Fresh Produce to includes strawberries, carrots, onions, spinach, varieties of lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms, beets, potatoes, just to name a few… and honey, eggs, cheese, herbs, plants, flowers, seafood, and anything else in season. Prepared foods include BBQ, crepes, empanadas, gumbo, fried oysters & shrimp, she crab soup, crab cakes, fresh baked pastries & breads, sweets, coffee, kettle corn, chocolates, and much more…

Don’t forget your furry friends. Dogs are welcome at the farmers market and in most of the stores and restaurants in the area. Bring Fido for lunch and if he behaves, stop by the doggie booth and pick up some treats!

Bluffton Farmers Market
Martin Family Park
68 Boundary Street at the intersection of Green St.
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-415-2447

 

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Are you ready to celebrate the season? Our March calendar is busy.

March is upon us and so are all the festivities that come with it! The Lowcountry is busy with festivals and activities to keep us entertained all month.

Bluffton Artisan Market

Bluffton will be starting off the month’s festivities with the inaugural Bluffton Night Bazaar held under the twinkling lights of the Burnt Church Distillery courtyard. This new monthly event features local artisans, live music, food & drink.

Bluffton Charities Oyster Roast

The Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast is just a few days away, on March 5th at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal.  In its 17th year, the Oyster Roast features all you can eat Beaufort oysters from 1-8 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local bands The Entertainers and Steel Rail Express. The event also includes premium micro-brews, a full day children’s program, live auctions, and local vendors offering varied fairs.

Walterboro History, Arts & Music Festival

Walterboro is excited to announce the return of the Walterboro History, Arts & Music Festival. This festival celebrates local history along with visual and performing arts added into the mix. Artists, performers, reenactors, storytellers, musicians and more entertain the crowds that come from near and far. The festival will be held in various locations throughout Walterboro, March 7-12.

Beaufort History Museum Revolutionary War Events

The Beaufort History Museum will host two Revolutionary War events March
11-12, 2022, as part of its anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the war in 2026.
On Friday, March 11, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the St. Helena Island Public Library, 6355 Jonathan
Francis Sr. Rd., Rita Elliott will discuss the Battle of Purrysburg, S.C., and later
archaeological dig discoveries made at the battle site.
On Saturday, March 12, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., at the Beaufort History Museum, 713 Craven
St., re-enactors from the 5th Company, 4th South Carolina Regiment will conduct a live-fire
demonstration with period artillery. The team will be set up in the walled Arsenal Courtyard and provide a unique educational opportunity for visitors of all ages. Live cannon demonstrations are planned at 30-minute intervals throughout the day starting at 10:30 AM. Both events are free and open to the public.

Pinnacle Bank Hilton Head Shamrock 5k

Dust off your green because the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is BACK!! It’s time to turn out for South Carolina’s oldest St Patrick’s Day Parade. Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Hilton Head Island during the 27th Annual Pinnacle Bank Hilton Head Shamrock 5K. Hilton Head’s Annual “Running of the Green” will be held on Saturday morning March 12th at 7:30am.

Hilton Head St. Patrick's Day

Next on the agenda is the Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. Come view the 2nd Annual Boat Parade as it cruises down Broad Creek, followed by an Irish concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The parade is the grand finale! It will proudly march down Pope Avenue Sunday, March 13th at 3pm.

Sham Rocked Sip & Stroll 2022

Join Beaufort March 12th in historic downtown as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun way! The Sham Rocked Sip & Stroll 2022 offers several ticket options from 10am – 2pm. Each attendee receives a Sip & Stroll t-shirt, swag bag, and access to all the goodie stations spread throughout downtown Beaufort. Goodie stations will feature either a cocktail, something yummy or something swag for you to have during your stroll. Downtown merchants will be open for shopping during or after the stroll. Restaurants will be featuring lunch and dinner specials as well! So grab your gal pals, friends, family, or significant other for a fun filled day in downtown Beaufort during the Sip & Stroll!

Hardeeville's Lowcountry Pow Wow and Cultural Festival

Soak up some local culture at Hardeeville’s Lowcountry Pow Wow and Cultural Festival March 12-13th. Millstone Landing is the backdrop for this festival that sets out to educate the public about Native Americans. It also creates a gathering place for Native people to celebrate their culture. The event features Aztec dancing, drumming, arts & crafts, native campsites, demonstrations, food and much more.

Beaufort Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival

Beaufort’s Town Center will be the site for their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This outdoor event will showcase a variety of wholesome activities for people of all ages. The 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Beaufort Town Center is a free, family-fun celebration benefiting the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. The event will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 12-4pm. Area restaurants and food trucks will be selling food and drinks and there will be live entertainment including a bagpipe player, local music, and much more! This family-fun event will have activities for all ages! We will also have festive drinks available for the adults!

Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival

The Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival takes place the last week of March. This week-long celebration combines the fruits of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry cuisine, grassroots cultural happenings, and the authentic fabric of a unique community. Join us as we celebrate the 36th anniversary of this annual Hilton Head Island rite of passage. Experience for yourself this year’s schedule of events including spectacular celebrity chef showcases, intriguing wine education sessions, live entertainment and of course the famed Grand and Public Tasting events.

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Hunting Island Lighthouse is closed for repairs, but visitors have options.

Hunting Island State Park’s historic lighthouse is closed to the public as repairs are made to the 147-year-old structure. The lighthouse can still be viewed from the grounds and docents will be on hand to interpret and give more information about the lighthouse.  And thanks to modern technology, you can experience views form the top of the lighthouse in the park’s visitors center.

The lighthouse will be closed to the public until further notice so repairs can be made to the stairs and railings. Public safety was a major priority when deciding to close the structure and make repairs. Visitors can still tour the lighthouse grounds and speak with docents about the history of the area. Visitors – have no fear. You can experience high tech views from this iconic tower. The visitors center, located just inside the park entrance has two different lighthouse experiences.

Interior spiral staircase image by Carmen Pinckney.

The visitors center now houses an 8-by-13-foot virtual lighthouse. This is a scaled-down model that visitors can enter to get a complete view from the top of the lighthouse. TV monitors provide images of the view that are especially important for people who are not capable of climbing 167 steps to the top of the actual lighthouse. Also, children under 44” are not permitted to climb the lighthouse, so they can get the experience of climbing to the top. There is also a virtual reality option. Visitors can wear a headset and get the complete sensation of walking around the lighthouse, climbing 136 feet to the top, and experiencing the 360-degree views.

 

According to the park’s website, “The original structure was built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is that it was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled should it ever need to be moved. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889.”

For more information and a sneak peak of the lighthouse experience visit Friends of Hunting Island State Park.

For more information on the history of Hunting Island and its historic lighthouse visit Walk on the Wild Side at Hunting Island State Park.

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2022 All Saints Garden Tour 33 years strong!

All Saints Garden Tour

SC Lowcountry Visitors Guide – 33rd Annual All Saints Garden Tour
We’re back- the 33rd Annual All Saints Garden Tour on Saturday, May 21, 2022, has
something for everyone: gardens of various sizes; most are located on the water; designed and
maintained by professional landscapers while others were lovingly created by the owners;
newly created or nurtured for many years; and stunning views! This self-guided tour from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m.(note we are starting and ending earlier) includes six distinctive gardens, all
of which are new to the Tour, located in four different gated communities on Hilton Head
Island and in Bluffton. Your $35 ticket includes the Tour and in view of the uncertainties Covid
has created, there will be no lunch, boutique, or bake sale at All Saints Episcopal Church this
year. A Master Gardener to answer questions will be located in one of the gardens! In 2019
the tickets sold out, so get them early! Tickets are available on line at
www.allsaintsgardentour.com and are available at garden centers and other businesses in
Hilton Head and Bluffton- hope you have been seeing the Garden Tour poster with the colorful
red geraniums. All net proceeds are given to smaller, 501c3 charities that focus on hunger,
homelessness, literacy and/or aging.

Blue Heron Sanctuary

Blue Heron Sanctuary
Moss Creek
A new garden professionally designed and installed in 2017 has been added to by the
plant collector owner. It focuses on the natural beauty of Blue Heron Sanctuary and
Rookery. The backyard beds were created to enhance the view of the Sanctuary and
include a unique assortment of plants which provides year round interest with multiple
blooming plants each season.

Moss Creek

Oh, the stories it could tell
Moss Creek
A recently renovated home has an expansive marsh view and holds a surprise behind
the home. The Angel Oak may be between 300-400 years old, measured 92 inches in
diameter last year. On the list of 150 largest and oldest trees in Beaufort County, it
creates a sanctuary for the owners.

Serendipity at Port Royal

Serendipity
Port Royal
An esteemed garden design of LAISSEZ FAIRE certainly had no grand master plan here
where frivolity rules! This plot of vegetative eccentricity is entirely maintained by the
owners with some assistance from Mother Nature’s landscape architects. Reflective of
the owners’ travels and whimsical natures, these gardens can be described
as Unique! Eclectic! Quirky!

Ocean Breeze Gardens in Port Royal

Ocean Breeze Gardens
Port Royal
Professionally designed, stunning, structured beachfront property with multiple
outdoor living areas describes this garden. Accented with pops of seasonal color, an
assortment of lush greenery defines various settings for relaxing, enjoying the ocean,
contemplating nature and recreation activities including a basketball court, swimming
pool, bocce ball court and a putting green.

DIY Gardens Indigo Run

DIY Gardens
Indigo Run
Do-it-yourself gardeners created a charming, relaxing environment by installing
flagstone and paver paths, patios, fences, raised beds, fountains, pots (they really like
pots), benches, a large pergola! These handsome hardscapes enhance a shimmering
lagoon view of herons, ducks, turtles and, of course, alligators and are complimented
by a charming assortment of Low Country plants .

Tranquility Gardens at Hilton Head Plantation

Tranquility Gardens
Hilton Head Plantation
Low country surroundings inspired a newly renovated landscape with four distinct
design styles including an expansive walkway with a fountain, a perennial flower
cutting garden, a formal boxwood hedge in a Charleston Garden which transitions to a
poolside tropical oasis with tons of annual color! There’s a layered living screen
designed for its beauty and privacy.

Tranquility Gardens

Over the years, more than $500,000 has been given to local charities from this annual event
bringing validation to our logo “Through the Beauty of a Garden ….. A Gift to the Community”.
All who attend the 2022 Garden Tour add to this legacy. For tickets and updated information
please visit our website allsaintsgardentour.com or call (843)681-8333.

All Saints Gardens

Sidebar – How to go to the Tour:
Tickets are available on line at www.allsaintsgardentour.com and if ordered by May 6, they
will be mailed to you. Tickets ordered on line after May 6 through midnight Thursday, May 19
need to be picked up from All Saints Episcopal Church between 10-3:30 Monday -Thursday or
on May 20 or the day of the Tour.
Tickets can be purchased at All Saints Episcopal Church, and garden centers and other
businesses in Hilton Head and Bluffton for cash or check through 10 am Friday, May 20.
If tickets remain, they can be purchased the day of the Tour at All Saints Episcopal Church at
3001 Meeting Street from 8:30-noon. For tickets and updated information, please visit our
website or call (843)681-8333. Tickets not picked up by noon on May 21, 2022 are forfeited.
Participants need to be able to safely walk on flagstone pathways and through gardens.

Submitted by Nancy Renner, nnrenner@outlook.com.

Gardens of South Carolina Lowcountry
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The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Region of South Carolina includes the four, southern-most counties in the state, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton, which are bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Savannah River and the state of Georgia.

The South Carolina Lowcountry Guidebook is filled with many things to see and do in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. Please fill out the information and we will send you a FREE GUIDE BOOK.

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