The Cypress Wetlands Rookery is located off Paris Avenue in Port Royal. This beautiful section of coastal wetlands is surrounded by a 0.6-mile paved trail loop that is wheelchair accessible. Birds that call the wetlands home include snowy egrets, great blue herons, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, geese, ducks and other migratory shorebirds.
Cypress Wetlands Rookers boardwalk image by Lewis Martin.
If you like to bird-watch, this is the place for you. Visitors can also spot alligators, turtles, snakes and other woodland creatures. The best time to see bird activity is between April and October. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but for their safety, they must always remain on a leash.
This egret family was photographed by Trover.
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy birdwatching, this is the place for you. The rookery is a birdwatcher’s paradise. You should easily spot snowy egrets, especially if they have breeding plumage. The trail is full of cypress trees covered in Spanish moss.
This alligator was photographed from the rookery boardwalk by Jean Dupre.
The Cypress Wetlands Rookery is open during daylight hours. Public restrooms are located next-door in the Port Royal Police Station.
1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal, SC 29935
Sunrises are spectacular from the boardwalk.
Sands Beach and Henry Robinson Boardwalk is just down the street. Located at the end of Sands Beach Road, this is the spot where Battery Creek flows into the Beaufort River. The boardwalk stretches for a ½ mile along Battery Creek. The panoramic views offered here are outstanding. Fishermen, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy this attraction.
A four-story observation tower can be found at one end of the boardwalk. Climb to the top to see amazing 360-degree views. Sunrise and sunset vistas are spectacular. Fishing and crabbing are excellent from the boardwalk. Bring your gear and catch dinner!
The Sands Beach image found on Trip Advisor.
Sit in the sun and enjoy the views from the beach. This is also a great spot to search for shark’s teeth and shells. This is one of the few beaches where you can drive straight onto the beach and park your car. Pack a picnic, enjoy the water and hunt for treasures in the surf. If you enjoy kayaking, this is a great spot for you also.
Image by Miles Sanders.
Sit in the sun and enjoy the views from the beach. This is also a great spot to search for shark’s teeth and shells. This is one of the few beaches where you can drive straight onto the beach and park your car. Pack a picnic, enjoy the water and hunt for treasures in the surf. If you enjoy kayaking, this is a great spot for you also.
This older photo by Charles N Bayless shows repairs being made to the Cuthbert House.
The Beaufort Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973. A city with this much architectural history is one you surely want to visit.
Beaufort, SC is a city rich in history and culture. Most of the homes located in the historic district pre-date the Civil War, thanks in part to the fact that its citizens fled the city before Union troops made their way into town. The city fell early during the war, surrendering on November 7, 1861. Beaufort became the headquarters of the US Army, Department of the South. Most homes were converted into hospitals, offices and officer’s quarters. One home was even re-purposed as a bakery.
This image on the Verdier House is from the Library of Congress.
The district is a mix of Federal, Neoclassical, Greek Revival and Victorian architectural wonders. The city is also known for its widespread use of tabby construction, using oyster shells, sand, lime and ash to make an early form of concrete. The raised basements of many Beaufort homes are made from tabby.
This Tabby Manse image was captured by Charles Bayless.
Some of the most iconic homes in Beaufort can be found along the waterfront of Bay Street. These homes, found in the areas known as the Bluff and the Point, sit just across the street from the scenic Beaufort River.
1411 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
1411 Bay Street is home to the E. A. Scheper House. This house is believed to have been built in 1896. Originally it had intricate gingerbread trim, which was popular in the Victorian period. The house was bought in 1938 and almost completely rebuilt. The exterior was transformed into a more neo-Colonial style that we see today.
1405 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Edward Barnwell-Geddes Dowling House is located next door at 1405 Bay Street. This house has had a very interesting past. The house has been dated at no older than 1815. Union soldiers used the roof as a signal station to communicate with soldiers through the passageway of Port Royal Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. Edward Barnwell was the grandson of Colonel John Barnwell, also known as Tuscarora Jack. He was an Indian fighter and founder of Beaufort. Two brothers once lived in the house. Because of their hatred for each other, they divided the house right down the middle. The nail holes can still be seen today along the floor. The house was owned by Broadway actress Maude Odell Doremus in the 1920s. The house was next purchased by the McTeer family in 1937. James McTeer was known as the high sheriff of the lowcountry. He was a big fan of Gullah culture and was called the white witch doctor.
400 Wilmington Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Continuing down Bay Street, the John Joyner Smith House sits next. The actual address is 400 Wilmington Street, but the house faces Bay Street. This Federal-style home was built in 1813. A Greek Revival remodel was subsequently done to the house. During the Civil War a Federal military commander occupied the house along with his staff.
1307 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
This 1883 Victorian sits proudly among its statelier neighbors at 1307 Bay Street. The William Ritchie House was built by a foot soldier from Connecticut who came to Beaufort during the Civil War. While stationed in Beaufort, Ritchie fell in love with the town and decided to make it his home.
1305 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The General Stephen Bull House is located next, at 1305 Bay Street. This 1910 house sits high on the bluff overlooking the Beaufort River. The cast iron fence that surrounds the house is said to have been cast from Swedish ore.
1301 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Charles Edward Leverette House sits next door at 1301 Bay Street. This home was built in the early 1800s. The home is named after Reverend Leverette, who was the last rector of Old Sheldon Church, which now lies in beautiful ruins between Beaufort and Yemassee. The home was confiscated during the Civil War, but Reverend Leverette was lucky enough to petition to have his property returned. He regained ownership and it remained in his family until 1920
1211 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Thomas Fuller House is more commonly known as the Tabby Manse. It sits at 1211 Bay Street. This house is one of the finest early homes in Beaufort. Built in 1786, this home resembles the Miles Brewton House of Charleston. This home is a great example of tabby construction. This early building material composed of oyster shells and lime mortar was used to cover the home. Tabby Manse was built by Thomas Fuller as a wedding gift for his bride Elizabeth Middleton. The house was built on a raised basement to take advantage of river breezes. The house was converted to a guest house in the 1870s. Francis Griswold wrote A Sea Island Lady while staying in the house.
1207 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Robert Means House can be found next, at 1207 Bay Street. The house was built around 1800 by a prominent Beaufort merchant and planter. The stately two-story veranda wasn’t added until the early 1900s.
1203 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The John A. Cuthbert House sits just down the street at 1203 Bay Street. Built around 1810, the house underwent significant remodeling in the late 1930s. The Federal-style house was given Victorian elements in the form of gingerbread trim and a south porch expansion. The house operates as the Cuthbert House Bed and Breakfast today.
1103 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The William Elliott House is commonly known as the Anchorage. This magnificent home at 1103 Bay Street was built around 1800. The double verandas are topped with a roof line balustrade. The house was used by Union troops as a hospital and was designated as the Mission House. The home was greatly altered in the early 1900s when stucco was added to the exterior. The Anchorage was threatened with demolition, but the Historic Beaufort Foundation stepped in to save it. Today this protected property serves as the Anchorage Bed and Breakfast.
1001 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The George Elliott House sits proudly on a corner lot at 1001 Bay Street. When originally built, the house had no upper veranda. The second story porch was added in the late nineteenth century. The three-story 7,980 square foot home is built on a raised basement. This stately home with massive columns was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Union soldiers were posted upstairs where they kept an eye on the harbor.
801 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Just two blocks away sits the Verdier House at 801 Bay Street. This c.1804 Federal-style mansion was built by and named after John Mark Verdier, a wealthy merchant and planter. Verdier acquired wealth trading indigo, lost his money then revived his wealth by planting sea island cotton. This home served as Union army headquarters and the adjutant general’s office from 1861-1865. Today the house is open as a museum Monday – Saturday, from 10:30 – 3:30.
611 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Wallace House sits just steps away at 611 Bay Street. This 1908 home was built after the Great Fire of Beaufort in 1907. The fire was started by three boys, all under 10, who sneaked into a barn to smoke cigarettes. The wrought iron fence in front dates to the early 19th century. The brick home’s double verandas are accentuated with arched doors and window trim.
607 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The William Joseph Thomas House can be found at 607 Bay Street. Built in 1909, this Victorian structure was built of concrete stone blocks from materials brought from Charleston. The two-story porches and large windows are positioned to catch the breezes coming off the Beaufort River
601 Bay Street. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Lewis Reeve Sams House sits on the Point at 601 Bay Street. This three-story 7,600 square foot Beaufort Style house was built in 1852. The double verandas are held up beautifully with Doric and Ionic columns. The beautiful house was used as a hospital and headquarters for General Rufus Saxon during the Civil War. According to local folklore, the house was spared from fire in 1907 by the efforts of the Waterhouse cotton gin workers. They extinguished the flames by forming a bucket brigade and using wet blankets. This house was also used in the movie Prince of Tides.
Photo by Colleton County Historical & Preservation Society.
Historic Walterboro’s Bedon-Lucas House was built for Richard Bedon in 1820 by New York architect NY Perry. Mr. Bedon was able to spend the next 20 years using this beautiful downtown home as a summer residence. During Mr. Bedon’s time, he donated the land directly in front of the house for a public park. The Library Society moved their “Little Library” there.
Photo by walterborosc.org.
The Bedon-Lucas House is a key property in Walterboro. It is one of five remaining “high houses” in the historic district. “High” refers to its elevation off the ground. Houses in the Lowcountry were typically built on higher elevations and built up to avoid the damp ground and illnesses that accompanied the summers. The higher elevation of this Federal raised cottage also catches the best chance for summer breezes. The house also has a separate kitchen to avoid fire spreading to the entire structure.
The home was sold to Clarence Lucas in the 1840s. At this time renovations were made to reflect the Victorian period. The house remained in his family for several decades. Hurricane Gracie rolled through Walterboro in 1959. The house suffered extensive damage. The roof was replaced but the house remained vacant and neglected for the next 40 years.
Photo found at SC Dept. of Archives and History.
The effects of time took its toll on the property. Wisteria and smilax vines covered the house and yard. Shutters, porcelain doorknobs and light fixtures were looted. Although interest was shown in buying and restoring the house, it was difficult to reach a deal with the Lucas heirs.
Photo found on Visit Walterboro website.
The Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society stepped in to help in the 1990s. The house was nominated for the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation’s Endangered Places Program. In 1995 it was listed as one of the “Eleven Most Endangered Structures in South Carolina”. One year later the society secured ownership of the house. They worked to rehabilitate the property and moved their offices into the house. The original heart pine floors have been beautifully restored.
Photo found on Locations Hub.
Repairs were made again in 2014. The porch floors were replaced where necessary. Trees that caused damage with limbs and roots were removed. Rotting wood on the exterior of the house was replaced. The foundation was waterproofed, and the exterior was repainted. The interior is furnished to represent the mid-1800s through the early 1900’s.
Photo from Colleton County Historical & Preservation Society website.
The Bedon-Lucas House offers visitors a glimpse into history and culture of Walterboro. It was listed in the National Register along with the rest of the Walterboro Historic District. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to observe nature along the Spanish moss covered wildlife drive.
The South Carolina Lowcountry is draped in Spanish moss, just like the rest of the coastal old south. Sights of Spanish moss evoke childhood memories of spooky nights telling ghost stories with the cousins. My grandfather’s watermelon farm was located just outside Charleston. We would congregate there every summer and spend our days running along fire breaks, playing in the barn and sleeping on the porch. Spanish moss was a big part of these memories. It surrounded us and enveloped our very beings. It became a part of us as we played under the branches of live oaks that were lavishly decorated in the grey bearded plant.
Jasper County’s Frampton Plantation house is surrounded by 300 year old live oaks covered in Spanish moss.
Spanish moss is a flowering plant that is neither Spanish, nor a moss. It is a bromeliad that grows hanging from tree branches in a chain-like manner. The plant is particularly fond of live oak and bald cypress trees that grow in the lowlands, swamps and savannas of the south. Here the climate is warm enough and has a relatively high humidity. Native Americans called it “Itla-okla”, which means “tree hair.” The French renamed it “Spanish Beard” because it was reminiscent of the conquistadors. After time the name evolved into Spanish moss.
Yes, I did say Spanish moss is a flowering plant. It’s also related to the pineapple. Sounds strange, right? The flowers are tiny and inconspicuous. They are brown, green, yellow or grey. The plant propagates by seed or finds new locations when fragments break off and blow in the wind. Birds also help the process by carrying it from tree to tree.
The Spanish moss on Frampton Plantation’s front live oak flourishes.
Don’t worry, Spanish moss will not harm the trees. It has no roots and takes all its nutrients from the air. Even though Spanish moss grows on trees, it is not a parasite. The plant thrives on moisture in the air, sunlight, and particles found in the air. The plant is covered in tiny scales that trap and store water and nutrients. When full of water Spanish moss appears almost green. As it dries out it becomes a deeper grey.
This Spanish moss draped drive is in Colleton County’s Donnelley Wildlife Management Area.
There are two different legends about where this plant got its name. They are both told in many versions and change with each telling. The first one is the story of a beloved Indian princess who died. She was buried at the base of a live oak. Her husband cut off her braids and draped them in the tree. As time passed, the braids became grey and the wind carried the strands from tree to tree. They turned into Spanish moss to remind us of the love between the couple.
The Grove Plantation House sits in the middle of Colleton County’s Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge. The live oak trees come to life with the sway of the Spanish moss.
Another story involves the favorite daughter of an Indian chief and a Spanish conquistador. They were forbidden to see each other. As any good love story goes, they couldn’t stay apart, so the chief tied him high in the top of an ancient oak tree. The Spaniard told the chief that his love for the daughter would continue to grow even after death. His beard grew and became tangled in the branches. Until this very day, his beard still hangs in the trees.
The live oaks at St. Helena’s Penn Center are covered in Spanish moss.
Spanish moss reminds us of the deep south because it grows in subtropical humid southern locations. It also grows as far down as South America, but we like to take all the credit for this beautiful plant. Is anything more magical than an evening drive through the South Carolina Lowcountry where Spanish moss sways and fireflies intermingle in a choreographed dance that speaks to the soul?
Hampton County’s Webb Wildlife Center is inland, but the Spanish moss grows beautifully.
A drive through America’s old south will lead you to encounter a tradition kept alive through our Gullah friends. Bottle trees are placed in the yards of many southerners, but their roots date back deeply into African culture.
Photo by Jennifer Lynn Ferrar.
Traditionally, bottle trees are cobalt blue. The bottles were placed on the branches of dead trees or rods that were stuck into the ground. These trees have been made in the south for hundreds of years. The folklore of the bottle tree is very interesting. According to stories passed down through generations, the bottles were hung upside down to entice the curiosity of evil spirits. Drawn by the rich, cobalt color, the spirits would enter the bottles and become trapped. The evil spirits would be destroyed when the sun rose the following morning. If a bottle hums when the wind blows, you know there’s an evil spirit trapped inside.
Photo from HGTV.
The folk-art legend of the bottle tree began in the Congo during the ninth century. Blue bottles were hung upside down on trees and huts as talismans to ward off evil spirits. Bottles were also tied to trees near important locations such as meeting places or crossroads to trap any spirits that were traveling. The tradition found its way to America when the slave trade began in the 17th century. Slaves would place bottles on crepe myrtle trees. This could possibly be tied to the Bible’s Old Testament mention of the tree representing freedom and escape from slavery.
Photo by Lark Kulikowski.
Cobalt blue is the most popular and traditional color for bottle trees. It is believed that this rich color has healing powers. The color has also been associated with ghosts and spirits. Glass bottles have also been placed in windows and used as “poor man’s stained glass.” Colored bottles have also been used traditionally to line flower beds. Today, bottle trees can be seen across the South in a multitude of bright colors.
Hollow glass bottles were made as early as 1600 B.C. in Egypt and Mesopotamia. People soon began to believe that spirits could live in the bottles. One possible reason could be due to the sound created when wind passes over the mouth of a bottle.
In the early 1800s rice and cotton plantation owners from the lower parts of the Lowcountry built summer houses on the high bluff overlooking the May River. This area is now called Bluffton. Away from the heat, mosquitoes and malaria, their families enjoyed the gentle breezes and the abundant seafood found in the river.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Cole-Heyward House is in the heart of Old Town Bluffton. This excellent example of Carolina Farmhouse Style was built in 1841 as a summer home for a local plantation owner. The simple timber frame is reminiscent of a style of architecture brought over from the West Indies. It became very popular from the Colonial period up to the Civil War. Mr. Cole was a planter who owned Moreland Plantation located on present day Palmetto Bluff.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
This house is one of only eight Antebellum homes that remain in Bluffton’s National Register Historic District. Designed and built by John J. Cole for his wife Ester Caroline Corley, the home served as a beloved retreat for the family to escape the disease and insects of their plantation. It also allowed the family to socialize with others living in town for the summer season.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
The house was originally one half the size it is today. Mr. Cole and his slaves built the north parlor and bedroom above. By 1860 the family outgrew the space, so they had to add on to the structure. Windows were enlarged and replaced. The original windows were reused in the dining room and back bedroom addition.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
Mr. Cole contracted tuberculosis and died following his service in the Civil War. After his death the family sold the house and moved to Texas. The house was owned briefly by Kate du Bois, the wife of the postmaster.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
The house was then purchased by the Heyward family. George Cuthbert Heyward purchased the home in the 1880s. He was the grandson of Thomas Heyward, Jr, a statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Five generations of this family lived in this house until it was sold in 1998 to the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
The Heyward House has not been altered over the years. The house has been preserved, not renovated since its additions in 1960. The interior walls and floor are made of wide heart pine boards. The site also has an original slave cabin and a reproduction summer kitchen. Both outbuildings can be found behind the house.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
The original unattached summer kitchen was pulled down and replaced in the 1930s with a large square attached kitchen. The materials from the original kitchen were repurposed to build a small garage on the property.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
The Heyward House is operated by the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society and open to visitors as a museum and welcome center. The Society purchased the Cole-Heyward House in 1998 from Mrs. D. Hasell Heyward. Tours of the antebellum house and former slave cabin began almost immediately after purchase.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
A reproduction of the original unattached summer kitchen was constructed beside the slave cabin. The kitchen is outfitted with early American furniture and tools. It also has a brick floor. The house museum and its outbuildings were designated an official project of the Save the America’s Treasures program.
Image found on the Heyward House Facebook page.
In 2000 the house became the official Welcome Center for the Town of Bluffton. According to their website, “The Cole-Heyward House is a continuing preservation project that provides a rare glimpse into antebellum life and offers educational opportunities to thousands.”
Looking for a fun place to hike with a pretty view? The Savannah NWR is the perfect spot!
Former rice field trunk system image by Allyson Jones.
Jasper County’s Savannah National Wildlife Refuge consists of 31,551 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. Well-maintained hiking trails wind throughout the refuge, giving hikers and bikers access to these former rice fields. Explore the nearly 40 miles of trails that are built on dikes that contained rice fields dating back to the early 1700’s.
Little Black River Trail image by Varnana Beuria
The freshwater impoundments of the wildlife refuge are managed for migratory waterfowl and provide excellent wildlife observation points. All dikes are open to foot and bicycle travel during daylight hours, unless otherwise posted. Waterfowl are most abundant from November through February, while alligators and other reptiles are frequently seen from March through October.
Bird watching opportunities are good all year but are best from October through April when temperatures are mild, and many species of waterfowl and other wintering birds are present. The trails are primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The trails offer several activity options and are accessible year-round.
Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive image by Allyson Jones.
Motorists are welcome on the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, off S.C. 170, which meanders along four miles of earthen dikes through managed freshwater pools and hardwood hammocks. Many hiking and biking trails are accessible from this drive.
Kingfisher Loop and Tupelo Trail image by Ezrom Signim.
The Kingfisher Loop and Tupelo Trail is a 7.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels.
Little Black River Trail image by Justin DeBaker.
The Little Back River Trail is a 6.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail features a lake and is good for all skill levels.
Recess Plantation Trail image by Jessica Robateau.
Recess Plantation Trail is a 3.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail featuring beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels.
photo by Allyson Jones.
The Cistern Trail/Photo Blind is located along the Lauren Hill Wildlife Drive. It is a great spot to capture wildlife photos.
Plantation Island Trail and Cistern image by Allyson Jones.
Plantation Island Trail is a 2.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail featuring beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. This small island of trees was formerly a slave community. It was once surrounded by rice fields. The cistern is still visible. It was used to collect drinking water and store perishable foods.
Image by Carlo Emanuel Barbi.
Raccoon Trail is a 2.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels.
Savannah NWR Visitor Center image by Mark Haskell.
The Savannah NWR Visitor Center is located on U.S. 17, seven miles north of downtown Savannah, Georgia or seven miles south of I-95 at Hardeeville, South Carolina.
Beech Hill Trail image by Alan Bourne.
Beech Hill Trail is a 0.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near the Visitor’s Center that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels.
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is located at 694 Beech Hill Lane, just outside Hardeeville. The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is located on GA-25/SC-170. (843) 784-2468
The much-anticipated Walterboro Wildlife Center opened recently to much excitement. The center is in the heart of downtown Walterboro.
The Walterboro Wildlife Center is an interpretive exhibit hall showcasing the plant and animal life that is present in the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary and throughout the Lowcountry.
The historic building was beautifully re-purposed into a 7,000 square foot discovery center. The floor is painted to resemble the braided system of the creeks that intertwine in the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
Specimens of native Colleton County wildlife are on display in aquariums throughout the center. The Wildlife Center will feature snakes, turtles, frogs, fish and alligators! A large meeting space is available in the back of the center for special events.
On opening day, the center featured birds of prey from Lowcountry Raptors and reptiles from Edisto Serpentarium. Similar programs and demonstrations will be scheduled throughout the year.
The Walterboro Wildlife Center also offers information on
other nature-based attractions within a 100-mile radius.
The center is located at 100 S Jefferies Blvd, in downtown Walterboro. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information call 843-782-1002.
Sunrise at Hunting Island is second to none. Photo from SC State Parks website.
Hunting Island State Park is the most popular park in the state. Over one million visitors visit each year. The Lowcountry barrier island contains five miles of beautiful beaches, a saltwater lagoon along with 5,000 acres of maritime forest and marsh.
Image from marinas.com.
Hunting Island is also home to the state’s only publicly accessible lighthouse. Visitors are encouraged to climb the 167 steps to the top and observe the breath-taking views of the maritime forest and beach from 130 feet above.
Campsite 167 image from SC State Parks website.
Hunting Island State park also has a 100-site campground that sits directly on the beach. Amenities include water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways and a playground. There is also one cabin near the lighthouse.
Image from HuntingIsland.com.
Visiting the park’s nature center should be on your list of things to do. There you can see interesting creatures and regularly scheduled programs for you to enjoy.
Photo from Trip Advisor.
Every time you visit Hunting Island, visitors notice change. This barrier island is a temporary stop for many migrating birds as well as those who stick around all year. The ocean forces have been known to wreak havoc on the coastline, which is ever-changing.
The saltwater lagoon was created by sand dredging in 1968. This beautiful waterway is a great area for kayaking, crabbing and fishing. Seahorses and barracuda have also been spotted in the lagoon. This area is also a great backdrop for a picnic on a sunny day.
Higher inland areas of the park contain some of the state’s best examples of semi-tropical maritime forest and ancient sand dunes. The dunes are now covered in slash pines, cabbage palmetto and live oaks. Nature trails are interwoven throughout this area for closer inspection. Look for deer and raccoons when traveling through the forest. Alligators can be spotted in the freshwater ponds.
Photo from Trip Advisor.
The island is also a great spot for bird watching. Painted buntings, tanagers and orioles can be spotted in the trees. Pelicans, oystercatchers, skimmers, terns, herons, egrets and wood storks can be seen along the shores and in the sky.
Hundreds of different species of birds can be found at Hunting Island throughout the year. Photo from SC Parks website.
The beaches on Hunting Island are important habitat for shorebirds and sea birds. They use the beach to feed, and nest. Migrating birds use the beach as well. Some areas of the beach designated for birds only. Guests are always encouraged to keep out of posted areas and keep dogs on a leash to protect these important birding grounds. The beaches of Hunting Island are also important nesting areas for loggerhead sea turtles during the summer months.
Lagoon Trail image from Trip Advisor.
The park has several hiking trails that make their way across the island. These trails are easy and can be combined to lengthen the experience. The trails wind along the lagoon and through the maritime forest through various wildlife habitats. They can also take you deep into the interior of the maritime forest where the habitat supports a population of deer, raccoon, owls, hawks and squirrels.
Marsh Boardwalk image by Will McConnell.
The Marsh Boardwalk Trail is a designated National Recreational Trail. It is a wooden boardwalk that leads to a dock that provides a great area for viewing life in the salt marsh. The dock is also the perfect spot for observing beautiful sunsets.
Lighthouse image from the Island Packet.
There is even a hiking trail from the campground to the lighthouse so campers can walk to the iconic landmark without getting into traffic or dealing with the effects of high tide. More experienced hikers will enjoy the Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. This moderately strenuous trail is for experienced hikers and mountain bikers only.
Lighthouse images from Trip Advisor.
Climbing to the top of the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse should be on the bucket list of anyone visiting the island. Anyone over the height of 44” can climb the 167 steps to the top where the views are worth the trip. From the top you can see a panoramic view of the maritime forest and Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is open daily, except for Christmas day and in the event of inclement weather.
Images from US Coast Guard and USLHS Digital Archive.
The original lighthouse was built in 1859. It was destroyed during the Civil War, then rebuilt in 1875. It was built of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled if it ever needs to be moved. This proved beneficial because that is exactly what happened in 1889. The lighthouse was moved 1.3 miles inland due to beach erosion. In 2003 cracks were discovered in several of the cast iron steps leading up. A crew spent more than 18 months making repairs and installing steel braces beneath the stairs for reinforcement. The braces were left unpainted, which creates a contrast with the original structure which protects the lighthouse’s historic integrity.
Photos from Trip Advisor.
If you haven’t already, make plans to visit Hunting Island
State Park. Climb to the top of the lighthouse. Enjoy the sunrise as you walk
along the beach. Search for shells and shark’s teeth along the surf. Stop at
the nature center and view the alligators. Experience the sunset from the Marsh
Boardwalk and explore the eight miles of walking and biking trails. Come to the
place where time stands still, and memories last a lifetime.
Hampton County is teaming with history. Luckily, much of it has been preserved in the architecture that can be seen throughout the county.
The Hampton County Courthouse was built in 1878 when Hampton became a county. It was named after Governor Wade Hampton.
The cornerstone of the building was laid by none other than Governor Hampton himself!
The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 1 Elm St W, in Hampton.
The Hampton County Museum building has a very interesting history. The structure was built to house the Hampton County Jail. Museum artifacts include Civil War memorabilia, maps and uniforms. Visitors can also find exhibits from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The County Jail was built in 1878 and served the people until 1976. Second floor cells have been preserved and are a distinctive museum attraction for the County Historical Society.
This building is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hampton County Museum at the Old Jail is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 3 – 5 p.m. (803)943-5484
Photo by Mary Hughes Calloway
The Hampton Museum and Visitors Center started life as the Bank of Hampton. This architecturally significant building started life as the Bank of Hampton in 1892. The two-story Italianate influenced brick building was designed by French architect Vincent Fontaine. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bank closed its doors in 1930, but the upstairs space was rented as a law office until the 1960s. The structure was given to the town in 1987 and it became a museum shortly after. The bank’s original vault and safe with hand painted doors are still intact today.
This museum and visitors center exhibits collections relevant to Hampton County. Visitors will find exhibits of Indian lore, military artifacts, antique medical equipment and Watermelon Festival memorabilia. A children’s room is included for younger visitors. Local artists and craftsmen also display their creations here. Genealogy information for this area is also available. Information on a self-guided walking tour of downtown Hampton can be found inside as well.
Photo by Mike Stroud.
The Hampton Museum & Visitor’s Center is located at 15 Elm Street, across from the County Courthouse. Visitors are welcome to browse the displays on any given Thursday or Saturday, from 2 – 5 p.m. and the first Sunday of the month, from 3 – 5 p.m. A trip to the museum and visitors center is free, but donations are accepted. (803)943-5318
Photo by Bill Fitzpatrick.
Built in 1929, the Hampton Colored School was the educational facility for Hampton’s African American children. This structure replaced a dilapidated one-room schoolhouse. The land was purchased by local citizens. Once the acreage was secured, Ervin Johnson, an African American carpenter, constructed the frame building with help of volunteers from his community.
This is how the school looked before renovations were done to preserve the landmark.
The school served students through the eighth grade. When Hampton Colored High School was built in 1947, this school became its cafeteria. The Hampton County Colored School fell into disrepair after integration. It has since been restored and entered onto the National Register of Historic Places.
The facility has been restored and named to both the South Carolina and the National Register of Historic Places. It is also listed in the Green Book of South Carolina. The museum serves as a repository of Black History in Hampton. The Hampton Colored School can be found at 608 1st St West. The museum is open Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (803)943-2951
The Estill Nature Walking and Nature Trail is a quarter of a mile long and has learning stations along the path so visitors can learn about nature. The trail is located at 500 Second Street East, behind the Estill Fire Station. (803)625-3243
The Estill Museum is open by appointment by calling (803)368-5158. The building that houses the museum was originally Estill’s first town hall and jail.
The small museum features exhibits on the history of Estill. The museum is located at 44 Third Street, Estill.
Photo by Bill Segars.
The ornate Lawtonville Baptist Church stands proudly on the corner at 196 Fourth Street in Estill. This church stands out from the other buildings of Hampton County. This 1911 structure was designed by renowned Savannah architect Julian DeBruyn Kops.
The elaborate late Gothic Revival church is still in use today. The building has a complex Star of Redemption roof and Star of David symbols on each side. Parts of the building resemble a castle keep.
The stained-glass windows have been beautifully preserved, and best seen from inside. The ceiling is also stunning.
The town of Varnville was the setting for the fictitious town of Greenbow, Alabama for the filming of Forrest Gump. The block-buster movie was filmed all around the Lowcountry in 1994.
Varnville was originally known as “Dixie” in the 1800s. The streets are lined with lovely homes, a restored former depot and a beautiful town gazebo.
Brunson Museum and Visitors Center is housed in the original town hall. This unique museum contains a wonderful collection of artifacts, paintings and other memorabilia documenting the history of the Brunson area. The building was listed in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, as the only octagonal town hall ever built on stilts.
Built 1906, this structure was used as a municipal office and meeting place for the mayor and councilmen of Brunson. It was built over the town’s artesian well to provide protection and shade. Benches were placed around the well to provide a recreational spot for the town’s citizens. While the open arena under the town hall was planned for pleasure, it was also used as the town’s voting place. It was even the scene of one election slaying. Townspeople will tell you that many of cotton crops were planned there. In 1952 the artesian well was covered, and a modern water supply was installed.
The tiny town hall was crowded out by the modern highway and rail systems, so in 1959, it was moved to its current location and the stilts were removed. The town hall continued to serve as the center of town government until 1996. A replica of the original town hall on stilts is positioned beside the museum as a reminder of the building’s original life. Visit the museum at 800 Railroad Avenue in Brunson. Hours of operation are Thursday 2-5 p.m. or by appointment. (803)632-3633
Fans of the movie Forest Gump will recognize Stoney Creek Chapel. Forrest went to church here to pray that he and Lieutenant Dan would find shrimp. It is the only pre-Civil War structure in this area surrounding McPhersonville and Yemassee.
Before the Civil War, many rice-planters from Prince William Parrish build summer homes in McPhersonville due to its higher elevation as an escape from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. In 1832 some of these planters joined to build a summer chapel. Completed in 1833, this chapel was used for seasonal worship. During the war the chapel was used as a hospital and campsite by Union troops.
The chapel is a simple Greek Revival structure with a gabled roof. Central arched doors are flanked by transomed windows. The octagonal steeple was added in 1890. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Sheldon Chapel Episcopal, formerly of Prince William Parish stands proudly at 25481 Pocotaligo Road. Dated to 1745, the church was dismantled and used to build bridges by Gen. Sherman during the Civil War. It was rebuilt in 1898.
Photo from More to Life Photography.
It was first built in 1832, as a summer place of worship by the congregation of Sheldon Church of Prince William’s Parish (now famous as “Old Sheldon” ruins). The Confederate Army used the church as a smallpox clinic.
When Union forces occupied the area, they used the structures strongest timbers to build bridges across the Combahee. Then Sherman’s army destroyed the rest of the structure it in 1865. It was rebuilt in its present modest form in 1898.
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