Giant oyster shells have popped up like daisies throughout historic Bluffton. The Shell Art Trail is a fun public art trail that both entertains and educates. The cultural exhibit has 21 giant oyster shells placed throughout Bluffton. The shells have been uniquely painted by local artists. While hunting for shells, you will learn interesting oyster facts along the way.
The Shell Art Trail
First things first – download and print your Shell Art Trail Passbook. Review the map and plan your route. The passbook includes a map and questions that can be answered by reading the fact plaques located at each sculpture.
Spend a day roaming around downtown Bluffton in search of these beautiful sculptures, all of which contain interesting facts about oysters. Questions can be found on the back of the shell art passbook. Each can be answered by reading the plaque attached to each shell.
Be sure to take plenty of pictures along the way.
Tag @LowcountryOysterTrail, and use #LowCountryOysterTrail
#HEARTofBluffton #SeeShellsinBluffton while completing the trail!
After the shell hunt, head into one of the wonderful restaurants for lunch. The Sugaree makes the best chicken salad BLT and bagel chips.
After lunch be sure to head into some of the unique shopping opportunities downtown Bluffton has to offer.
Visit downtown Beaufort’s historic John Mark Verdier House Museum for a step back in time. The impressive Federal-style mansion was built around 1804 by John Mark Verdier, a successful merchant and planter.
Verdier acquired significant wealth by trading indigo. He then purchased over 1,000 acres which he used to grow sea island cotton. The house on Bay Street was a highly visible statement of his wealth and status as a member of Beaufort’s planter class.
The John Mark Verdier House Museum
This museum is a wonderfully engaging attraction for many reasons. As the only historic planter’s house in the city open to the public, the 1804 estate presents an accurate portrait of how Beaufort’s wealthiest citizens lived during the height of the pre-Civil War Antebellum period when cotton was king and wealth was everything. The house has an impressive wide interior and four elaborate hand-carved fireplaces.
The house has seen some very important visitors. The Marquis de Lafayette stopped here on his Southern Tour in 1825. It was also used as Federal Headquarters by Union troops during the occupation of Beaufort during the Civil War. It was even home to the first telephone in Beaufort!
Luckily the Verdier House, or Lafayette House as it was called then, was protected and remained in family hands until the 1940s. A group of visionary citizens rallied to save the house from demolition. This group evolved into the Historic Beaufort Foundation. They worked diligently to register the house as a National Historic Landmark in 1971. They went on to open it as a museum in 1976.
The Verdier House Today
The Verdier House has withstood time and factors that erased many other grand buildings from the area. The home was spared flame during the Civil War and held fast during devastating hurricanes.
This is in part to innovative shipbuilding techniques that used beams and hand-cut horizontal boards. Visitors will also notice the house does not include a kitchen, bathrooms or closets. While the house was maintained by the family, it was never updated; keeping it true to the period of construction. The kitchens and privy would have been located outside. Clothing was stored in trunks and wardrobes.
The John Mark Verdier House Museum also houses three permanent exhibits highlighting Robert Smalls, the First African American to serve in the U.S. Congress 1875 – 1886, Civil War photos by Samuel Cooley, and The Beaufort Volunteer Artillery.
Docent-guided tours are available every hour on the ½ hour from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays and holidays. Visitors are invited to visit and admire the house and its exhibits. For more information visit the Historic Beaufort Foundation, or call the museum at 843-379-6335.
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is home to a vast array of waterfowl, fish, shellfish and many other animals. It is also the home of Oak Grove Plantation House. Since 1992, the former rice plantation has been under the protection of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
According to the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge’s website:
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast, with rich bottomland hardwoods and fresh and saltwater marsh offering food and cover to a variety of wildlife. ACE Basin stands for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers, which form the estuary and parts of the Refuge boundary. The entire basin encompasses more than 350,000 acres, of which the Refuge comprises just less than 12,000 acres.
Part of the historical values of the ACE Basin were also protected. The refuge office, a former rice plantation house built in 1828, is one of a few antebellum mansions that survived the civil war in the ACE Basin area. Former owners ensured it would be preserved by placing it on the National Register of Historical Places. Undeveloped and unpolluted, the habitat remains diverse and extremely productive.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Oak Grove Plantation House
The Oak Grove Plantation House is a fine example of late-Federal plantation-style architecture. It has polygonal rooms and projecting symmetrical bays. The elliptical fanlight over the front entry, double-hung windows, clapboard siding, and overall symmetry are all examples of this architectural style.
From the early 1700s to the mid-1800s, the plantation grew rice, producing much wealth. After the rice culture declined in the late 1800s, the plantation and many others in the area were used as hunting retreats. The area was tended wisely to preserve and protect the wildlife.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
A walk behind the house leads visitors to the former rice fields. Rows, dikes, trunks, and gates are still visible today. The paths are marked and meander around the rice fields and through wooded areas. Make sure to bring your camera and be on the lookout for wildlife.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Rice Trunks
This is one of many rice trunks still in use today. Irrigation of rice fields was completed using great ingenuity to raise and lower water levels in the fields.
The rice trunk was an ingenious, yet simple apparatus that made large-scale planting and irrigation control possible in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Rice trunks are wooden sluices installed in “banks” or dikes of rice fields for irrigation or flood control. They are long, narrow, wooden boxes made of thick planks, and each has a door at each end. Hung on uprights, the swinging doors, called gates, may be raised or lowered to drain or flood a field. When the gate on the river end of a trunk is raised, the water in the field runs into the river at low tide. As the tide turns, the rising water exerts pressure on the river gate and swings it tightly shut, preventing water from returning to the field. To flood the field, the process is reversed.
Rice, a particularly labor-intensive crop, was dependent on slaves for its cultivation. Following Emancipation, the rice industry collapsed.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin has long been known for its tremendous diversity of wildlife. The intricate network of marshes, tidal creeks, uplands, and wetlands has supported a myriad of plants and animals. The ACE Basin has long been home to a vast array of waterfowl, songbirds, fish, shellfish, and upland animals. Alligators, wood storks, bobcats, deer, and other animals live in the diverse habitats of the refuge.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The refuge grounds are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. The Administration Office is generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Brochures and maps are located on the ground floor of the Plantation House.
For more information on the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge visit their WEBSITE.
There is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the historic and picturesque city of Walterboro, SC.
Easily reached from I-95, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to leave the traffic behind, stretch your legs and enjoy nature. The sanctuary contains a network of boardwalks, hiking, biking and canoe trails that are perfect for viewing a diversity of a black water bottomland habitat.
Photo by dreamplango.
Wildlife is abundant in the sanctuary. Wild turkey, deer,
raccoons, beaver, otter, mink, opossum, squirrels, fox, alligators and wildcats
have been spotted here.
Photo by Brent Hughes.
History, culture, recreation and educational opportunities are waiting for you. The 600-acre sanctuary features a “braided creek” swamp, which divides into an interlocking, or tangled network of several small branching and reuniting creeks, resembling a braid.
Photo by Brent Hughes.
The 3.5-mile loop is paved and well maintained. The most historically significant path here follows the Colonial-era Charleston-to-Savannah Stagecoach Road. The former road still bears the remains of cypress built and long-fallen bridges.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
A Discovery Center has been constructed just a few miles away at 100 S. Jefferies Blvd. It includes a multi-purpose classroom, exhibit area and amphitheater.
Photo by Brent Hughes.
From I-95, take Exit 53 and head into Walterboro. The first entrance is located to the left at the corner of S. Jefferies & Ivanhoe Roads. There is also parking at 399 Detreville Street and Washington Street.
Photo by Brent Hughes.
Bikes and dogs on leashes are welcome on the pathways of the sanctuary, so load up the family and make your way to this nature-based tourism gem that Trip Advisor gives 4 ½ stars. See you soon.
Ridgeland and its surrounding villages are home to many beautiful and historic churches. They are close enough in proximity to make a day trip to visit these special houses of worship.
Located in the Grahamville area you will find both Church of the Holy Trinity Episcopal and its neighbor Euhaw Baptist Church.
Holy Trinity Church & Euhaw Baptist Church
Holy Trinity Church – Photo by Beth Yarborough
The current Holy Trinity Church was built in 1858. Two earlier versions dating as far back as 1824 were built as chapels of ease for planters using the Grahamville area as a summer retreat village. The live oaks that surround the building were planted by the women of the congregation in the 1800s.
Interior of Holy Trinity – Photo by Dale Dunham
Most of the buildings of Ridgeland were burned during the Civil War, but this church was spared, having served as Union headquarters during Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. Rumor also has it that horses were stabled in the church. The antebellum church was ransacked of its possessions during its occupation. Years later, in 1928 a bible belonging to the church was discovered in the attic of a New York music publisher. He returned it to the church with a note stating, “How it came into possession of my family I do not know.” The bible’s endsheet bears the scribbled name of a Union officer. The church now protects the bible as a treasured keepsake.
Window detail of Holy Trinity Photo by Richard Horry
The church is a notable example of Carpenter Gothic style architecture. The asymmetrical composition, wheel windows and buttressed tower are great examples of this style. The bell tower serves as a stairway that leads to the old slave gallery. A pipe organ now sits in this gallery. The interior boasts an original hammer-beam timber ceiling. If you would like to read more about this church, visit the Church of the Holy Trinity’s website.
Front facade of Euhaw Baptist Photo by Carie Robertson
Euhaw Baptist Church was first built on this site in 1860. This church is the second oldest Baptist organization in the South. Originally located on Edisto Island, the first structure was built in 1686. This church split, and relocated to the Grahamville village, which is now a part of Ridgeland. Euhaw means “Indian Lands.” The church was named in their honor. The original church at this location was burned during the Civil War. Luckily the congregation was able to restore it. Unfortunately, a forest fire destroyed the building in 1904, and the current structure was built in 1906.
Stained glass detail Photo by Carie Robertson
This beautiful village church has gentle whispers of a late Victorian style. The asymmetrical arched and hooded windows, central round windows, towers and gingerbread draw homage to the period of architecture that was popular at the turn of the century. The 1906 Euhaw Baptist Church stands proudly as it was built, and no longer used for services. The congregation built a new more modern building next door in 1985. This structure is used only for special occasions. If you would like to read more, visit the SC Picture Project‘s page about the Euhaw Baptist Church or the EBC Faith Web.
Side view of Euhaw Baptist Photo by Carie Robertson
Robertville Baptist Church
Robertville Baptist Church sits in the village of Robertville, just a few miles outside Ridgeland. The original 1824 church was burned during the Civil War. This beautiful structure was built in the 1840s and moved from Gillisonville to its current location in 1871. It was transported and moved piece-by-piece to the current site. Church members included Confederate Brigadier General Alexander Robert Lawton, who founded the American Bar Association, and his nephew, General Henry Martyn Robert, who wrote Robert’s Rules of Order.
Robertville Baptist Church Photo by Carmen Pinckney
The unaltered church is a lovely blend of Greek and Gothic Revival styles. The interior pews date to 1867. According to the National Register, the church “Remains unaltered and designed with graceful simplicity, the little church gains its charm from an unusual but successful blending of styles: the Greek Revival with Gothic Revival details. The portico is supported by only two Doric columns (without capitals) on pedestals. The double front paneled door is crowned by a lancet arch. The Gothic detail is repeated in the gable ornament above and in the windows. All interior wood is said to be original.”
Robertville Baptist interior Photo by Carmen Pinckney
Robertville Baptist Cemetery Photo by Carmen Pinckney
Gillisonville Baptist Church
Gillisonville Baptist Church stands proudly in what was once the courthouse village of old Beaufort District. The courthouse, square and adjacent buildings of Gillisonville were burned by Sherman’s army in 1865.
Gillisonville Baptist Church Photo by Carie Robertson
Built in 1838, the antebellum church was spared during the Civil War because it was used as headquarters for a contingent of Union troops when they passed through the area. A Union soldier carved into the original antique silver communion set “War of 1861-2-3-4. Feb. 1865″. As Union troops approached the Gillisonville village in 1865, a cannonball damaged the building’s steeple and bell tower. The tower has remained “steeple-free” as a reminder of its occupation. After the war the sanctuary served as a temporary courtroom until 1868, then the seat of government moved back to Beaufort.
Side view of Gillisonville Baptist Photo by Carie Robertson
The Greek Revival structure is covered in white clapboard and sits on a brick foundation. Constructed by local craftsmen, the church still possesses many of the original features. Boxed pews, random width flooring, and a former slave balcony can still be seen inside the sanctuary. The pulpit was repurposed and moved from the neighboring Coosawhatchie courthouse. It was formerly a judge’s seat. It is still in use today.
A brink fence surrounds the historic cemetery. Photo by Carie Robertson
Holy Trinity Episcopal – 2718 Bees Creek Road, Grahamville Euhaw Baptist Church – 2576 Bees Creek Road, Grahamville Robertville Baptist Church – 26 Robertville Drive, Robertville Gillisonville Baptist Church – 10158 Grays Highway, Gillisonville
A black metal fence protects the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
One of the lowcountry’s most photographed sites gained several feet of protection. In an effort to preserve and protect the Old Sheldon Church, a locked fence has been placed around the ruins. Visitors can still visit the site but cannot pass through the iconic columns and brick arches.
A locked gate secures the ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The church is owned by the Parish Church of St. Helena. They have been researching ways to preserve the ruins from rapid decay. The historic structure has fallen victim to vandalism by way of desecrating tombstones, graffiti, brick removal and destruction.
The Parish Church of St. Helena has plans to bring in docents on site to lead tours through the beautiful ruins. Restoration work will shortly begin first. Walking paths will be placed within the interior portion of the ruins. Walking through the brick archways will only be possible with professional supervision to ensure damage is not done to the structure.
The new fence is simulated to resemble iron. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
This early example of Greek Revival stands as a testament to master craftsmanship and has had a very interesting life. The South Carolina Picture Project wrote a great article about its storied past. A tablet located on the grounds reads: “Church of Prince William’s Parish, known as Sheldon, built between 1745-1755. Burned by the British Army 1779. Rebuilt 1826. Burned by the Federal Army 1865. Another sign states: “Old Sheldon is not a recreational area or playground.”
As visitors to this site we must respect this sacred and historically significant lowcountry gem. We must also understand, and not be offended by the fence. Protecting this structure for future generations is critical. The efforts of St. Helena should be applauded and appreciated.
History abounds from start to finish. Take a day trip to visit the historic sites on this scenic island road.
Tabby walls of St. Helena Chapel of Ease Ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
St. Helena is home to many beautiful roads. A turn onto Lands End Road puts you right in the heart of the Penn Center. This historically significant landmark is the site of the former Penn School, one of the first educational sites for formally enslaved individuals. Their website says it best, “Opened in 1862 the Penn School tutored freedmen out of slavery and into freedom. After the school closed in 1948, Penn became the first African American site in the state whose primary purpose was to safeguard the heritage of the Gullah Geechie community.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Later, in the 1960’s, Penn Center took up the mantle of social justice by ushering in the Civil Rights Movement and serving as the only location in South Carolina where interracial groups, such as Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Peace Corps could have safe sanctuary in an era of mandated segregation.
Penn Center continues to thrive as a national monument promoting historic preservation, as well as a catalyst for economic sustainability throughout the Sea Islands. Its far-reaching impact on local, national and international communities has been the greatest legacy of the Penn Center’s history.”
Brick Church – Photo Credit: Bill Fitzpatrick
The oldest building on the site is the Brick Church. Built in 1855, Brick Church was an early location of the first school.
When visiting the Penn Center your first stop should be the Courtney P. Siceloff Welcome Center and Gift Shop in the York W. Bailey Museum. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Helena Chapel of Ease. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
As you travel further down Lands End Road you will find the St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins. This tabby house of worship was built in the mid-1700s for the plantation families that lived on the sea island. Because the island was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, the plantation families abandoned their homes and the church was used by the abandoned slaves of the island. It was used by Northerners who came south to educate and train freemen. It was also used as a sanctuary by Methodist freemen as early as 1868. A forest fire destroyed the structure in 1886 and it was left in disrepair.
Fripp Tomb at St. Helena Chapel of Ease. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The church ruins are surrounded by ancient oaks, dripping in Spanish moss. It also has a cemetery, containing a tomb containing Fripp family members. This is a great spot to take pictures and reflect on the splendor of this historic site. The SC Picture Project has a great article about the chapel of ease ruins with many beautiful pictures.
Fort Fremont Historical Preserve photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Standing sentry at the end of Lands End Road is the Fort Fremont Historical Park. Built in 1898, this fort was one of six fortifications designed to protect the coast during the Spanish American War. Long abandoned, the site now sits in beautiful ruins. Surrounded by live oaks, the fort looks out over Port Royal Sound with 900 feet of beach access.
One of the spots where a breech-loaded disappearing cannon was positioned. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Visible now are the recessed spots where disappearing cannons were positioned. Fort Fremont was officially deactivated in 1912 when the Port Royal Naval Station moved from Parris Island to Charleston. The property went into private hands for several years. While the hospital was transformed into a hunting and fishing lodge, the fort fell into disrepair. They were both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004 the fort and 15 acres were purchased transform the ruins into a public park.
The ancient walls of Fort Fremont. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Visitors can roam through the preserve and view the fort from all angles. According to the Fort Fremont Historical Preserve, “Ft. Fremont serves as a historical remnant of military defense technology at the dawn of the 20th century as the U.S. became a major world power.”
Staircase leading to the top of the fort. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Fort Fremont is open for touring during daylight hours. You can also access and walk along the beach through the fort property. The full history of Fort Fremont can be found on their website.
Lake Warren State Park is located just outside Hampton. The
park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. A wide variety of
wildlife can be found in the floodplain forest, wetlands and woodlands of the
park. While walking in the park look for deer, armadillo, turtles, raccoons,
squirrels… Be on the lookout for alligators, snakes and birds along the shores
of the lake.
Lake Warren fishing pier. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The 200-acre lake is
perfect for freshwater fishing and boating. The park also has a 2-acre fishing
pond. There are two boat ramps that provide access to the lake. Motors are
limited to 10-horsepower. Jon boats are also available for rent.
Photo Credit: South Carolina Parks Website.
If you enjoy hiking, the park has three nature trails. Trail locations can be found on the park MAP. The Nature Trail is a 1.25-mile loop that travels through the woods and ends at the fishing pond. Interpretive signs are placed along this trail to increase your knowledge of local wildlife. The Fit Trail has 10 exercise stations. This .0-mile loop is located among the wildlife in a mixed pine forest. The Yemassee Trail skirts along the bank of Lake Warren. Watch for birds and other wildlife including snakes and alligators.
There are many spots to fish or view wildlife. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Pets are welcome at the park. The trails are a great place
to walk your dog. Dogs must always be kept under physical restraint or on a
leash.
Photo credit: South Carolina Parks Website
The park also has picnic shelters and a playground. It’s a great place to spend a sunny day. If you’re looking to fish, hike, play or relax, Lake Warren State Park is the perfect destination for you.
If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach adventure that aims to please, look to Fripp Island. This easternmost barrier island in South Carolina is located at the end of Highway 21 in Beaufort County. Just a stone’s throw from Hunting Island State Park, Fripp provides private island vacationing (and living) at its finest. Amenities abound and nature delights. If your furry friend is a part of your vacation plans, this is the destination for you.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Vacation rentals range from tennis villas and golf cottages to beachfront homes. My party included two and a dog, so the tennis villas were perfect for us. Positioned between the canal and the courts, with the Beach Club across the street, everything we needed was in sight.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The best way to move around Fripp is by golf cart. Check when picking a rental to see if you have a golf cart and amenities cards included. If not, you can rent one at Island Excursions (located at the marina). Bikes and scooters are also available. Most beach access points have golf cart parking. You simply load your beach supplies and cooler onto your cart and head out for a day on the ocean.
Unpack, pick up your golf cart and head to the beach. If taking your dog, you might want to start off at a more isolated beach. Follow Tarpon Blvd (the main road) to the end to find the perfect spot to introduce your furry friend to the ocean. This beach overlooks Pritchard’s Island which is only accessible by boat. Kayak trips across are a fun way to explore this island. Keep in mind, the sand gets very hot, so limit dog access to the beach to morning and evening excursions.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Another thing to consider is introducing your dog to the presence of deer. They are everywhere! They roam the island freely and have grown accustomed to visitors. Keep in mind, they are wild animals and should not be fed or bothered. To round out the end of the day, have a drink and enjoy the music at the Sandbar (located at the Beach Club).
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
If your trip includes amenities cards, you can enjoy the restaurants and pools at the Marina, Beach Club and Cabana Club. The restaurant at the Cabana Club offers great fish tacos and pina coladas. The Bonito Boathouse is a great choice for dinner. The staff is pleasant, the views are breath-taking, and the food is very tasty.
Resort amenities offer an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities on Fripp. Amenities include: activity center and programs, pools, racquet club, dining & restaurants, shopping, island excursions, marina and Camp Fripp. For the golfers, you have two spectacular courses to chose from. There are also fun things to do in the Beaufort area. Visit Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort’s Ultimate List of Things to Do for more ideas.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Fripp features 3.5 miles of spectacular, uncrowded white sandy beaches flanked by towering Palmetto trees, just waiting for you to enjoy. Check out the FRIPP ISLAND MAP to find great access points to the beautiful beach. All beach access points are numbered, so if you plan on an evening stroll on the beach, pay attention to your access point number so you can find your way back at the end of the walk.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The island is covered in miles of walking trails along the roadways and through the forest and marsh. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary, Fripp hosts many species of birds, along with wildlife including deer, turtles, alligators and raccoons. There is an Audubon Trail located on Porpoise Drive. The trail goes through the maritime forest and ends at the marsh of the Fripp Inlet. Educational signs and benches are placed along the trail.
For a relaxing and fun beach week, consider planning a trip to Fripp Island. For more information click on the following websites: FRIPPISLANDRESORT.COM or FRIPPISLANDLIVING.COM.
Step back in time to visit the historic wonders of this small town.
Old Sheldon Church Road is just past the turn to Beaufort on SC Hwy. 17. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Many travelers enjoy driving Highway 17, between Charleston and Savannah. The naturally beautiful landscape of Yemassee is located between the two cities. A simple turn off Hwy 17 onto Old Sheldon Church Road is like stepping back in time. Travel up the road for about two miles and see the church ruins on the right. Parking is located across the street. This church was burned during the Revolutionary War, rebuilt and then destroyed again during the Civil War. There is a debate as to whether the church was burned or disassembled during the Civil War.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins stand proud. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The following is from an article in the April 1969 Sandlapper Magazine by Charles E. Thomas, “The Picturesque Ruins of Old Sheldon Church”. “The official South Carolina report on the ‘Destruction of Churches and Church Property,’ after the War Between the States, described Sheldon’s second burning: All that was combustible was consumed…, its massive walls survive the last as they did the former conflagration, Bishop Thomas wrote, Exactly as it happened a hundred years before in 1779, when General Prevost, marching from Savannah into South Carolina burned the Church, so now in February 1865, General Sherman marching from Georgia into South Carolina, burned it a second time.”
However, another account found more recently states that the church was not burnt at all.
Old Sheldon Church interior photo by Carmen Pinckney.
In a letter dated February 3, 1866, Beaufort’s Milton Leverett wrote, “Sheldon Church not burnt. Just torn up in the inside but can be repaired.” The inside of the church was apparently gutted to reuse materials in rebuilding the area homes that were burnt by Sherman’s army. Today the Old Sheldon Church Ruins are protected by fencing to ensure their protection. Visitors can meander all around the structure while maintaining a safe distance from the ancient walls.
After visiting the ruins, continue up Old Sheldon Church Road and head into Yemassee. Cross the railroad tracks and keep left. Cross Hwy 17A and turn left onto Hwy 68. Head out of town and to the other side of I-95. Take a left at Davidson Tower Road and another left at the end onto Pocotaligo Road. Travel about two miles to find two more hidden gems.
Sheldon Chapel Episcopal photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Sheldon Chapel Episcopal, formerly of Prince William Parish sits proudly on the left at 25481 Pocotaligo Road. Dated to 1745, the church was dismantled and used to build bridges by Gen. Sherman during the Civil War then rebuilt in 1898.
Forrest Gump’s Stoney Creek Chapel photo by Carmen Pinckney.
If you turn left directly after the church, you will come upon another historic structure. Fans of the movie Forest Gump will recognize this church. Forrest went to church here to pray that he and Lieutenant Dan would find shrimp. Built in 1833 this chapel was used for seasonal worship. It is the only pre-Civil War structure in this area. During the war the chapel was used as a hospital and campsite by Union troops.
Retrace your path and come back to Old Sheldon Road. Turn right onto Cotton Hall. This will lead you back to highway 17 and past the gates and oak avenues of two beautiful plantations. While the homes aren’t visible to passersby, the entrances are photo worthy.
Driveway on Cotton Hall Road. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
A drive into Yemassee is a fun way to add a historical detour into your drive down Highway 17. We hope you enjoy the scenery. For more interesting pit stops in the South Carolina Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/category/blog/.
Another driveway on Cotton Hall Road. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
See what our visitors love about the
SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY
Use the #hashtag #sclowcountry to get your image featured!
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.
