A trip to Edisto isn’t complete until you visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium. This popular destination offers a wide array of exciting attractions and daily shows. As the first true serpentarium in the state, the facility is dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and study of reptiles. Get up close and personal with alligators, turtles, lizards, and snakes. While some specimens are native to the region, others come from around the world.
The serpentarium has been open to the public since 1999. The collection was gathered by local snake hunters Ted and Heyward Clamp of Edisto Island. A wide variety of reptiles are housed between the modern indoor facility and the beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens. Reptiles can be viewed swimming in streams, climbing trees, and basking in the sun, just as they do in nature.
Two separate ponds house over 20 adult American alligators. Big George, Trouble and Sampson are over 11 feet long. They live and play in Green Pond. Alligator Alley is where you will find the younger, smaller alligators. Peg-leg Pete and Water Dog can be found swimming, sunbathing, and eating in this shady pond. Each spring alligators lay eggs that will hatch in the fall. Babies can be found in the indoor facility. There’s also a nursery between the ponds that houses alligators that are 3 – 11 years old.
Alligators are fed daily when the temperature permits. Visitors get to experience this process up close and personal. Interesting alligator facts are presented during the demonstration along with the history of these prehistoric reptiles.
Turtles also live at the serpentarium. Natural habitat displays are set up for the education and viewing pleasure of visitors. Box turtles, red-eared sliders and diamondback terrapins can be seen, along with Alligator snapping turtles. Two African Spur-thigh Tortoises are also on display. This breed is the largest land turtle in the world.
The serpentarium has beautiful snake habitats. Non-venomous enclosures are home to rat snakes, black racers, coachwhips, water snakes and many more. Observe them as they swim, climb trees and sun on the branches in the large, landscaped open habitat. Venomous varieties are housed separately. Their varieties include cottonmouth moccasins, copperheads, and rattlesnakes.
Educational snake programs are presented daily. Professional handlers explain the value of these animals in their natural environments. Both venomous and non-venomous snakes are discussed.
Different species of lizards can be seen at the serpentarium as well. A bearded dragon and blue-tongued skink, both native to Australia, can be found here, as well as a South American red tegu. The facility has also acquired an Australian Argus Monitor.
Along with the alligator feedings and snake demonstrations, a Keeper’s Choice Show is given each day. Topics vary from tortoises & turtles, lizards, venom extraction and feedings. Be sure to start your visit early in the day so you don’t miss any of the exciting programs and feedings. The modern indoor facility and beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens are awaiting your visit.
The history of indigo production in South Carolina goes all the way back to the birth of our nation and a very special lady named Eliza Lucas Pinckney. The wife of a prominent statesman, Pinckney oversaw the first successful cultivation of South Carolina indigo in 1744. By 1748, indigo was second only to rice as the colony’s commodity cash crop.
Daufuskie Island residents Leanne Coulter and Rhonda Davis run Daufuskie Blues, an indigo dying company that honors this South Carolina tradition. They create eye-catching designs and patterns on scarves, cloth, and other fabrics. The ladies of Daufuskie Blues like to take their show on the road and teach indigo dying workshops around the Lowcountry.
Indigo images found on Daufuskie Blues Facebook.
Prior to the late 1880s, the only way to obtain blue dye was with the indigo plant. Leanne and Rhonda take great pride in sharing the history and methodology behind the indigo dying process. Ridgeland’s Morris Center is one of the sites for these classes. The Blues ladies first discussed the history of indigo growing wild on Daufuskie. They also grow it for production. The plant’s leaves are broken down in a reduction vat to make it water soluble. Once the dye is prepared, folded, stitched, twisted or cinched fabric is placed inside the vat. The dye first turns the fabric green. Exposure to the air creates a rich blue hue.
The process always yields a surprise!
After the final soak and rinse the fun really started. Fabric was released from its bindings and all the beautiful patterns were revealed. Each piece was a unique work of art.
Images show the many patterns created during the Indigo dyeing class at Ridgeland’s Morris Center.
Indigo dying classes can be found at Hilton Head’s Coastal Discovery Museum, Walterboro’s Colleton Museum and Ridgeland’s Morris Center. You can also head over to Daufuskie Island and visit with Leanne and Rhonda at their store. Workshops can also be scheduled by appointment on Daufuskie Island.
Images of Daufuskie Blues found on Facebook.
Daufuskie Blues is currently located in the historic Mary Field School, built in 1933, where Pat Conroy once taught. The island and his experiences teaching there inspired him to write his first book The Water is Wide, which was made into the motion picture Conrak. Daufuskie Island is only accessible by boat or ferry. It is one mile south of Hilton Head. Daufuskie Blues is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, from 11 am – 4 pm.
Daufuskie Blues 203 Schoolhouse Road (843) 707-2664, (843)368-3717 leanne.daufuskieblues@gmail.com
South Carolina is widely believed to have one of the most beautiful state flags in the country. The original design was created in 1775 by Colonel William Moultrie, with a crescent shape in the top left corner. This shape and its meaning are topics of great debate amongst the sandlappers of our fair state. Many think it is a moon, others believe it is a gorget. Which is it? What does it signify? Just why is it there? These are the questions that we will ponder in our pursuit of the truth.
Capt. Thomas Hewitt 1781 National Army Museum Study Collection.1772 George Washington by Charles Willson Peale.
One side of the coin
South Carolinians are very egocentric when it comes to their flag. Both schools of thought are also very passionate about their beliefs. State “folklore” suggests the shape is a gorget. Historically they were hung around the necks of soldiers to protect the delicate area from bayonet strikes. They first made an appearance during medieval times. During the 18th century, the gorget could be seen as an accessory on the military uniforms of Revolutionary officers. George Washington first wore a gorget during the French and Indian War to show his rank in the Virginia Regiment. According to Mountvernon.org, George Washington “wears a stylish silver gorget engraved with the royal arms, a vestige of the armor worn by medieval knights, and across his chest he wears a military sash. Both were traditional symbols of rank worn by officers.”
According to the Charleston Museum, “These things have been around in one form or another since the Middle Ages and survive even today within certain military units. Traditionally a component of a suit of armor, the gorget served as a protective plate over the seam between the combatant’s helmet and breastplate. As full body armor became less useful over time, gorgets shrank in size and eventually became a communicative symbol of rank. During the American Revolution, both British and Patriot forces employed gorgets in their uniforms. This particular piece belonged to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, signer of the United States Constitution and 1803 presidential candidate. The gorget itself was made by master Charleston Silversmith John Vanall circa 1750. (The engraving was very likely done sometime after the war as a commemorative gesture.)”
Cap image from Columbia Star.2nd SC Regiment of Infantry portrait by Lt. Charles M. Lefferts, 1776.
Folklore further says the gorget shape was used on the military caps of the 1st and 2nd South Carolina Regiments during the Revolutionary War. In 1775, Colonel William Moultrie was put in charge of these troops. He was assigned the task of developing a flag for the state while stationed at Fort Sullivan. The flag would be used to signal the city when friendly ships were entering the Charleston harbor. According to some, he used a gorget in the corner of an indigo blue field for this flag. The indigo matched the color of his troop’s uniforms, and the gorget was taken from the cap. Some profess that the word liberty was also written on the flag. The palm tree would later be added to the flag and placed in the center. We’ll talk about that later.
Flag of Fort Moultrie.
The other side of the coin
As previously stated, William Moultrie was the brains behind the design of the flag. In his own words, here’s what he has to say on the matter: “A little time after we were in possession of Fort Johnson [that is, late September or October 1775], it was thought necessary to have a flag for the purpose of signals: (as there was no national or state flag at that time) I was desired by the Council of Safety to have one made, upon which, as the state troops were clothed in blue, and the fort was garrisoned by the first and second regiments, who wore a silver crescent on the front of their caps; I had a large blue flag made with a crescent in the dexter corner, to be in uniform with the troops: This was the first American flag which was displayed in South Carolina.” William Moultrie, Memoirs of the American Revolution, So Far As It Related to the States of North and South-Carolina, and Georgia, volume 1 (New York: David Longworth, 1802)
In this excerpt Moultrie does not offer any explanation about the use of a crescent. The crescent is an ancient symbol that was used throughout history. According to the Hall of Names “the crescent stands for one who has been enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of his sovereign. It is also borne as a symbol of the hope of greater glory in heraldry. Knights returning from the crusades introduced the crescent, the badge of Islam, into the language of heraldry. The heraldic crescent has a very deep base and curving horns that quickly sharpen to point close together. Crescents also represent the moon that lights the night sky for travelers, though it does not resemble the shape of a crescent moon very closely. In English arms it was also a mark of cadency signifying a second son. The reversed crescent is a crescent with the horns turned down. The term increscent indicated a crescent with the horns facing the observer’s left, and decrescent is a crescent facing the observer’s right.”
Battle of Sullivan’s Island, John White, 1826. Sgt. William Jasper replacing the colors during the British attack on Sullivan’s Island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, 28 June 1776 colored engraving, 19th century
Did the flag at its conception have a true crescent? If so, the horns would have faced upward. There is some debate about this. This 1826 painting by John Blake White that hangs in the US Senate shows the crescent facing upward. Another painting by Johannes Adam Simon Oertel in 1858 shows the diagonal tilt that we currently use. Both images depict the brave soldier Sergeant William Jasper as he returns the fallen flag to an upright position during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island June 28, 1776. His brave actions rallied the troops to persevere against the British artillery.
Battle of Sullivan’s Island 1844 Granger wood engraving.
This flag became known as the Moultrie flag. The flag was in use at Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie) on June 28, 1776, during the famous Battle of Charleston Harbor. A shell from a British warship damaged the flagstaff. William Jasper recovered the fallen flag and held it in place until a new staff could be installed. This rallied the troops, and they went on the defeat the British. After the war, General Nathaniel Greene presented the flag to the City of Charleston. Although it was intended as a temporary flag, the Moultrie flag was adopted by the colony. It was the first flag to fly over the South. When South Carolina entered the union the Moultrie flag became the official state flag.
The flag remained unchanged until 1861, when the Sabal Palmetto tree was added in honor of Fort Sullivan. The fort was hastily made out of palm trees, that were readily available along the coastline. It was also decreed that the gorget’s tips would forever point straight up as the soldiers had worn it.
Big Red was a flag that was adapted to fly over the Citadel Military College in Charleston.Post & Courier image of Big Red, that flew over Morris Island as the Citadel Cadets fired on Ft. Sumter.
At the beginning of the American Civil War a similar flag was flown at Morris Island by Cadets from the Citadel as they fired upon United States supply ship the Star of the West in 1861. The ship was taking supplies to Fort Sumter. This flag features a reversed crescent, possibly turning away from the Union during the time period of the Civil War.
The flag didn’t change again until 1910, when Alexander Samuel Salley Jr, secretary of the Historical Commission began changing the design. He added more volume to the palm tree and from this point forward, the crescent has been tilted in a northwesterly direction.
Current state laws do not provide specifications of the shape, size, design or placement of the flag symbols, or the exact color of the background. As a result, there are many versions of the state flag. The state’s main universities and their supporters also display the flag in their school colors. A committee of the South Carolina Senate is in the process of picking an official color and design.
Some folks are “Team Gorget”, and others are “Team Crescent”. While minds may or may not be changed from their line of thinking, there are other important aspects to remember. The flag was first designed by a Revolutionary hero. He was held to such high esteem that they named the fort on Sullivan’s Island after him. Colonel William Moultrie’s bravery and leadership will go down in history for all times, as our flag and history books will tell his story forever. The blue will always represent the indigo color of the soldier’s uniforms. The palm will always stand for the strength and fortitude of a quickly built fort, made of readily available sabal palmetto trees, and the waxing moon in the corner will always be an ancient symbol that represents the hope of increasing prosperity and future glory. It further signifies the rising of families or states. And according to Astrotwins and Refinery29.com, the waxing shape in the corner,” …is the cosmos’ not-so-subtle signal to get moving.” That makes sense. Our forefathers did, in fact, “get moving” on Sullivan’s Island that hectic day of June 28, 1776, when they defended their fort against the British for ten grueling hours and held off their attack.
Nestled along the borders of Beaufort and Colleton County, just a stone’s throw south of Charleston and north of Beaufort is the Combahee River. This magnificent river is the spot where Revolutionary War hero Colonel John Laurens died, and Civil War hero Harriet Tubman led over 750 slaves to freedom. Paddling a kayak through this historic estuary is an experience to be savored. The trip is ripe with anticipation of the natural wonders that will be revealed around each bend. The sights, sounds and scents of this Lowcountry paradise never disappoint its visitors.
This image shows evidence of former rice fields along the Combahee River. These fields, dikes and trunk systems are still maintained by landowners to attract wildlife to the area.
This nature enthusiast’s paradise is a part of the ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast. The best way to see this blackwater river is in a kayak. Whether you like to explore the river on your own or as a part of a tour, the Combahee has options for you. If you are the adventurous type, know how to read the tides, and have your own kayaks, Cuckhold’s Creek is a great option. If you would rather go with a guide that does all the heavy lifting, Sugar Hill Creek is the place for you. Both creeks provide stunning views of wildlife and evidence of historic rice cultivation.
Beaufort Kayak Tour guides provide an excellent tour of the estuary. Images by Carmen Pinckney.
Beaufort Kayak Tours leads a 2.5-hour excursion from Sugar Hill Landing. This spot is surrounded by former rice plantations just off River Road, via Highway 17. Guides provide a narrated natural and cultural history tour along the scenic waterway which passes rice trunks, and slave-dug canals that were used to flood rice fields. The guides provide everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable journey. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are waiting when visitors arrive.
Modern rice trunk systems are still maintained the same way they were in the 1700s. Images by Carmen Pinckney.
The tour proceeds down the creek and into the Combahee River. Historic rice fields are pointed out. Rice fields, dikes and trunk systems that were first built in the early 1700s are still maintained and in use as wildlife management and conservation areas. The formerly cultivated fields are prime habitats to attract all forms of birds and other wildlife species.
Images by Matt on Flickr. His images and description of paddling Cuckhold’s Creek are spectacular.
If you are of a more adventurous type and like to kayak without a guide, Cuckhold’s Creek is the perfect spot for you! This peaceful creek is travelled by many who launch from Cuckhold’s Landing at the intersection of White Hall and Combahee Roads. If you head upstream, you will travel under a bridge used in the filming of Forrest Gump. This creek also shows signs of former rice plantation days. The creek habitat is home to many flowering plants and wildlife.
Views of the Combahee River by Carmen Pinckney. Paddling image by Matt on Flickr.
The very bravest of Lowcountry kayakers enjoy launching from Cuckhold’s Landing and travel into the Combahee, through the rice canals and end the trip at the Steel Bridge Landing. This is a very long trip and not for the faint at heart, especially if the tide changes. Have someone pick you and your gear up from the Steel Bridge.
Plan your kayaking trip during the spring or early summer to see flowering plants along the banks. Images by Carmen Pinckney.
Springtime trips down the Combahee will reward you with floral beauties, including pontederia and rare spider lilies. Butterflies are also drawn to the beautiful blooms along the banks. Water lilies fill the canals and tributaries that branch from the river. Osprey, anhingas and double-breasted cormorants can be spotted in the trees. Egrets and herons can be found wading along the riverbanks. It’s always a good idea to bring along a camera to capture wildlife images. Keep it stowed away in a ziplock bag until you need it. Also, plenty of water and bug spray are also good to pack for the journey.
Water lilies fill the canals and tributaries along the river. Osprey nests can be found high in trees along the banks. An anhinga sits above the river, searching for its next meal. Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
As you travel down the Combahee River and its tributaries, it’s important to reflect on the history of the area. It’s also noteworthy to look for any straight waterways that can be found throughout the estuary. These canals were hand dug by slave labor to supply water to the ancient rice fields. The rice trunks control the flow of this water. Harriet Tubman was stationed in Beaufort with the Union Army for a time during the Civil War. Under the direction of Colonel James Montgomery, she led a scouting party of eight soldiers up the Combahee River to gain intelligence for the union. They burned plantations and liberated over 750 slaves along the river.
Pick your path to Kayak the Combahee River.
Directions for Kayaking Cuckhold’s Creek
The best time launch is on the early falling tide. The landing is accessible via Highway 17. In the Green Pond area, turn onto White Hall Road. Take the first left off White Hall. Launch your canoes then have someone pick you up at the Steel Bridge Landing (Harriet Tubman Bridge). Spring kayakers can get up close and personal with flowering plants, including white spider lilies. The creek travels through historic rice fields of the former Combahee Plantation.
Several bends into the trip, the creek seems to split into different directions. Keep to the right. Just after you pass the White Hall landing, (1.5 miles into trip) the creek splits and forms Folly Creek. Stay to the right to continue on Cuckold’s Creek. The creek will spill into the Combahee River. Stay to the left to continue downstream. The river winds through the marsh. The Steel Bridge Landing will be on the right, just before the Harriet Tubman Bridge.
Both landings can be accessed from Highway 17. Sugar Hill Landing is just off River Road. Cuckhold’s Landing can be found at the intersection of White Hall and Combahee Roads.
It all started with a mini horse named Tilly! Then along came Eddie the mini donkey, Cherokee the rescue horse, chickens, goats, and alpacas!
The entrance to the farm is on Sullivan’s Ferry Rd, just off Highway 17-A in Cottageville. Pearl the alpaca enjoys meeting visitors. The herd loves to romp and roll in the sunshine.
Herd it Here Farm is located in Cottageville, just off Highway 17A. It is a one-of-a-kind educational farm experience. Owners Bill and Sheryl Power established this farm to share their extensive knowledge and love of animals. Visitors get up close and personal as they learn about the unique traits and offerings of each of the farm animals. Activities, workshops, classes, and goat yoga are also in the works.
Visitors get up close and personal with the farm animals as they learn about their life and history on the farm.
The tour starts at the barn where Tilly, the mini horse is introduced. She looks like she trotted out of the pages of a fairy tale. She was a birthday present for Sheryl while the couple were living in Pennsylvania. Eddie the mini donkey came along next when he was just a baby. He and Tilly are excellent pasture mates. These two share space with a horse named Cherokee that was found in Louisiana.
Alpacas are very friendly and well-behaved animals. They are very patient with visitors.
The alpacas are just next door on the other side of the barn. Alpacas are raised for their soft, luxurious fleece. They are related to camels and llamas, but they are much smaller. The Herd It Here Farm alpacas are very curious and friendly. They also enjoy a good sprinkle from the water hose on a hot day.
Lucy and baby Dennis take a nap in the barn. Valerie shows her curious side. The alpaca herd goes outside for a spray from the water hose.
Alpacas are quiet, docile animals. They are safe and pleasant to be around. They each have a very distinct personality. Pearl is very patient and loved being a part of the educational process. Dennis the baby is curious and spunky. He likes to stay close to his mom Lucy. She’s a little shy but likes to pay attention to what’s going on. Valerie is new to the farm but likes to stay close to Pearl. The farm also has two other alpacas, Vickie and Gidget. They were off the property for the day.
Alpaca fleece is woven into yarn that is made into different grades of yarn. It is very soft and warm.
Alpacas are smart and easy to train. Each year their fleece is trimmed and used to make yarn. Each shearing produces between 5 and 10 pounds of fleece. This fleece is comparable to cashmere. It can be made into blankets and apparel.Fancy chickens roam the chicken yard at Herd It Here Farms. Dolly Parton is partial to cuddles and taking naps in the arms of visitors. Eloise sports a crown of white plumage.
Our next stop was to the chicken coop. Fancy chickens roam in their protected space. Silkie chickens have fluffy plumage that is incredibly soft to the touch. They also have five toes, where most other chickens have only four. This breed is very gentle. Cochins are friendly birds with lots of fluff and feathers. Polish chickens have a great crest of feathers that covers almost the entire head. Houdan chickens have a very distinct poofy crown of feathers.
Daryl the fainting goat loves kisses. The pygmy goats enjoy play time. Daryl and Chuck grab a snack.
The goats are the next stop after a visit with the feathered friends. Pigmy and fainting goats romp and play together in their pen. The pigmy goats ate a snack fed by Bill while we learn about and feed the fainting goats. They don’t actually faint. They have a characteristic that makes them freeze and tumble over when they get scared. Daryl the black and white fainting goat loves to eat treats and give kisses. Chuck the brown fainting goat is a little shy but will hand feed. Molly is almost solid black. She has mesmerizing blue eyes.
The gift shop has a variety of things made from alpaca, as well as other locally made products.
The tour ends at the Country Store where alpaca fleece items are on sale. Goats milk lotion and soaps from a neighboring farm are also available, as well as sweetgrass baskets and other goodies. Picnic tables with umbrellas are available for those that bring lunch.
The animals at Herd It Here Farm await your visit.
The farm is currently open for tours on Saturdays and select weekdays by appointment only. Visit the Herd It Here website to schedule a tour or activity. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet all the animals up close and personally, and really learn about them. Tours must be pre-booked and are available at either 10 am, 11:30 am or 1:30 pm.
Herd it Here Farm 541 Sullivan’s Ferry Road Cottageville, SC (703)597-4839
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Hunting Island’s Marsh Boardwalk Trail. Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s most popular parks. The park’s Marsh Boardwalk offers visitors just over a half-mile of exploration along the southern end of the island. The trail leads deep into a salt marsh hummock area. This maritime forest is home to many species of wildlife. It’s also the island’s prime spot to catch a sunset.
Boardwalks lead to hard packed ground and onto more boardwalks along the main path of the Marsh Boardwalk Trail. Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
This nice, easy nature walk is perfect for all skill levels. Parts of the trip are very accessible for wheelchairs. The trail is a mixture of boardwalk and crushed, hardened surface. Smaller trails that branch off the main trail are too narrow for wheelchairs.
The tidal creek at the end of the Marsh Boardwalk flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
Views of the river can be seen from the dock at the end of the trail. Nature talks and tours are given along this trail by park rangers. Contact the nature center for more information.
The Pinckney Doodles love playing in the marsh and relaxing in the shade at the Marsh Boardwalk. Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
Dogs are very welcome on the trails of Hunting Island. Just make sure to keep them on a leash and pick up anything that they deposit along the trail. Don’t forget to pack water for your furry friend. Bug spray is good to have along as well.
Sunset images by Sherri Graham and
A river dock sits at the end of the trail. This is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. Be on the lookout for deer, fiddler crabs and all kinds of birds along the walk.
The Hunting Island Marsh Boardwalk sits just past the entrance to the state park on the right side of Highway 21. The boardwalk is a great place to view the salt marsh area surrounding the final stretch of the highway.
The Combahee River is Colleton County’s freshwater river of paradise
The Combahee River is a Lowcountry blackwater jewel. It is a 40-mile river that is influenced by the tides. The Combahee joins with the Ashepoo and Edisto Rivers to form the ACE Basin. The river gets its name from the Native American tribe that first inhabited the area. It’s the place where Henry Laurens died during the last fight of the Revolutionary War, and the spot where Harriet Tubman rescued over 750 slaves during the Civil War’s Raid at Combahee Ferry.
The Combahee River is a pristine marshy waterway that dumps into the Atlantic Ocean. The river begins life as a freshwater river at its headwaters in Colleton County. It becomes brackish as it nears the salty waters of the Atlantic. It’s a relatively short and narrow river, but it packs a powerfully beautiful punch. Its water, banks and skies are home to wildlife and flowers in bloom.
Local anglers will tell you its home to all breeds of bream that swim in South Carolina waters. The fish can be found under lily pads fallen trees and near cypress knees. This little Bluegill Bream was caught near Public Landing, then released. It’s a good idea to come prepared with a trolling motor and be on the lookout for shallow depths if heading upstream.
The water turns brackish near Steel Bridge Landing. Fresh and saltwater fish can be found in this area. Redfish and flounder have been known to show up here and further down near St. Helena Sound. Speckled trout frequent the salt waters of the sound as well.
Combahee River Boat Landings Highway 21 Landing – Hwy 17A, Yemassee (1 launch, no dock) Hampton Public Landing – Public Landing Rd, off 17A (2 launch lanes, dock) Colleton Sugar Hill Landing – 40 Sugar Hill Landing Rd, Yemassee (1 launch, no dock) Beaufort Steel Bridge Landing at Harriet Tubman Bridge – Charleston Hwy, Yemassee (2 launch lanes, dock) Beaufort Fields Point Landing – Fields Point Lane, Green Pond (1 launch, no dock) Colleton
The American Revolutionary War Hero that met his end along the Combahee River.
John Laurens was an American soldier and statesman. Born on October 28, 1754, Laurens was the son of Henry Laurens, a plantation owner from Charleston. After studying law in England, Laurens returned to America to join George Washington’s staff during the Revolutionary War in August of 1777. He joined an elite group of aides and secretaries that surrounded the commander in chief. He was very close friends with Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette. Laurens was present in all George Washington’s battles, from Brandywine to Yorktown.
Laurens was quickly known for his thoughts criticizing slavery. As the son of a wealthy slave owner from Charleston, Laurens grew up around slavery and developed very strong feelings against the practice. During the American Revolution, Laurens left Washington’s staff to return to the south and push for legislature to recruit a regiment of black soldiers that would earn their freedom by fighting in the war.
Laurens was a very brave and courageous soldier. He was wounded during the Battle of Germantown (Philadelphia 1777) and again at Coosawhatchie (SC Lowcountry 1779). When General Charles Lee spoke against George Washington’s character in 1778, Laurens wounded him in a duel. Alexander Hamilton acted as his second and ended the duel before a second shot could be fired.
Laurens went on to distinguish himself in Savannah and at the siege of Charleston. Charleston, Laurens was captured by the British during the British victory at Charleston in 1780. He was exchanged and returned to Washington’s staff. Then he was sent to France as a special envoy to appeal to their king for supplies and support. This successful mission led to Cornwallis’s defeat at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. Laurens was designated to aid in the terms of his surrender.
After Yorktown, Laurens travelled back to South Carolina. During a skirmish on the Combahee River, Laurens was killed while leading 50 men and one cannon to reinforce a position in the British rear to cut off their retreat. The British caught wind of Laurens’ movements and ambushed his troops along the route. Laurens was fatally wounded on August 27, 1782. He was only 29 years old.
George Washington was very saddened by the death of one of his most trustworthy aids. In a eulogy to the young soldier, he said, “The Death of Colo Laurens I consider as a very heavy misfortune, not only as it affects the public at large; but particularly to his Family, and all his private Friends and Connections, to whom his amiable and useful Character had rendered him peculiarly dear.” Laurens’ comrade Alexander Hamilton sent a letter to the Marquis de Lafayette: “Poor Laurens; he has fallen a sacrifice to his ardor in a trifling skirmish in South Carolina. You know how truly I loved him and will judge how much I regret him.”
Major General Nathaniel Greene wrote, “Poor Laurens has fallen in a paltry little skirmish. You knew his temper, and I predicted his fate. The love of military glory made him seek it upon occasions unworthy his rank. The state will feel his loss.”
Henry Laurens was buried at Mepkin Abbey, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
The Church of the Cross in Old Town Bluffton has been a part of the town’s landscape since 1857 when Bluffton was just a summer resort for the area and inland planters. The handsome cruciform Carpenter’s Gothic Revival building was designed by E. B. White. Mullioned and fan-arched windows are framed by lattice shutters. The rose-colored glass was brought from England. Unfinished cypress timbers cover the structure that rests on a brock foundation.
Image by Carmen Pinckney.
Bluffton was under Federal occupation between 1861 and 1865. While most of the town was burned, the Church of the Cross was spared. The congregation returned after the war, repairs were made, and services resumed in 1870. The church stood unaltered until the roof was replaced in 1892. A deadly hurricane came ashore in 1989 and caused much damage to the building, but repairs were made, and all was well by 1900. Repurposed lumber from repairs was used to make an altar, lectern, and prayer desk. An intimate chapel was created in the narthex that was easy to heat with a pot-bellied stove for the smaller winter congregation.
Images by Carmen Pinckney.
The Church of the Cross in Bluffton was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. As the congregation grew, members built the first rectory in 1986. Further growth in 1997 moved the narthex wall back to its original position. The balcony above was renovated and is used for the choir and English pipe organ that was installed in 1999.
Images by Mark Kemper, Pinterest, Steven Hyatt, Inez Bunce, Liwei Linand Inez Bunce.
The arched pine front doors lead into a sanctuary bathed in soft light that reflects from pink plaster walls. Two shuttered lancet windows flank the centrally located door. A tripartite lancet window with smaller trefoil-shaped windows on either side sits above the door. The arched-window window design continues along the sides of the church. Exposed beams of hard yellow pine are used in the sanctuary. The gallery’s carved wooden balustrades repeat the pointed arch seen on the exterior.
Images by Greg Branson, Kitty Hoyt and Richard Pedersen.
The Church of the Cross is located on a high bluff, overlooking the May River. It sits in a garden of live oaks and palmetto trees. The board and batten cypress exterior, open timbered interior ceiling is in keeping with the church’s scenic, rural setting. It is an iconic landmark of Old Town Bluffton, and a “must-see” destination while visiting the Lowcountry. In fact, the entire Calhoun Street and Old Town Bluffton area is full of beautiful sights.
The Lowcountry’s newest Reconstruction Era National Site
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park has joined five other sites throughout the state to be recognized on the Reconstruction Era National Register. The park provides educational and historical interpretation related to the Reconstruction Era, 1861-1900. Mitchelville is especially important in the history of freedom towns that were established during Reconstruction.
Images by Roy Ward, Kathy Jeffers and Austin Phillips.
During the 1861 Battle of Port Royal Hilton Head Island became headquarters for the Union Army. A military order was issued that freed the slaves on the Sea Islands. Former slaves and their children fled the plantations and sought protection with the Union army. They were hired as carpenters, blacksmiths, launderers, coopers, clerks, and cooks. General Ormsby Mitchel set aside a large parcel of land along the coastline for the newly freed population. Quarter-acre lots and building materials were dispersed for the building of homes. Freedmen elected officials and created a system of law. They built churches, stores, and a school system. All children between the ages of six and fifteen were educated. Men were recruited for the on-going Civil War. They built Fort Howell to protect Mitchelville. This was often called the Port Royal Experiment.
Images found on the National Archives.
After the Emancipation Proclamation liberated all slaves on January 1, 1863, Mitchelville became a model for future freedmen towns that were created during Reconstruction. At one time, Mitchelville was home to over 3,000 residents. After the Union army left the island in 1868, Mitchelville’s population began to decrease. When the army left, so did many of the jobs that were given to the freedmen. As time went on, residents took apart their houses and moved inland to farm and participate in local commerce. The town remained until the end of the century. Many of the descendants of Mitchelville citizens still live on the island.
Images by Taiwan Scott, Jennifer Frazier, Matt Penning, Thomas Gibbons, Brian Burch and Daniel McNamara.
According to exploremitchelville.org, “Mitchelville is one of the most significant African-American archaeological sites in the Southeast. It is one of the few that is nearly intact and offers the potential to learn even more about the lives of the early freedmen. It provides another perspective to previous studies of the “Port Royal Experiment.” The presence of Mitchelville also provides evidence of the ability of blacks to govern, educate, and care for themselves absent the bonds of slavery.” A portion of the original Mitchelville site has been protected and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can come to the Freedom Park and experience exhibits that show how this town once existed and prospered. Learn about Fort Howell and the 32nd United States Colored Infantry that built it.
Images by Andre J., Charles Moore, Ethan Liu, Gabriel Rico, and Allyson Jones.
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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.