The left image is from the Library of Congress from the 1940s. The image on the right shows the condition of the ruins today. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Formerly known as Prince William Parrish Church, Old Sheldon Church Ruins sit discreetly off Highway 17. This church is known to be the first attempt in America to create a Greek Temple style of architecture. The church was built sometime between 1745-1753. The church interior was completed, and the first services were held in 1757. The gable roof, pediment, windows, and interior have long been devastated, but the remaining brick shell and columns stand the test of time.
These images are architectural renderings that show how the church has been imagined. The image on the left is from the 1935 book Prince William’s Parish and Plantations, by John Reynard Todd. The left image is a modern digital rendering by Bobby McFadden.
These architectural renderings give us a glimpse of what the original structure looked like. The three-and-a-half-foot thick brick walls are laid in a Flemish bond. All columns and walls have remained intact for 276 years. The church was built along a row of seven Tuscan columns with tall, arched windows. A Palladian window was placed above the alter and flanked by arched windows. The front façade held a massive portico, topped by a triangular pediment complete with bull’s eye window and a cornice with dentil molding. The entranceway was topped with a tall fanlight and two arched windows are positioned on either side.
These images show a digital reconstruction of Old Sheldon Church by a student at Savannah College of Art & Design for the digital technology and historical preservation class with Professor Chad Keller.
This grand chapel of ease stood as a symbol of the wealth that was being accumulated around the area. After completion it was thought of as the finest country church in America. This church is the first example of a temple-form neoclassical building in America. It became a prototype of Greek revival architecture that became characteristic throughout the antebellum south.
Images by Carmen Pinckney.
The church was a political and military center for the area during the Revolutionary War. Governor William Bull was a founding member here and his plantation bordered the church grounds. The Bull family vault in the church yard was used to conceal arms and ammunition. Continental troops drilled on the church grounds. The church was burned by General Augustine Prevost’s British troops in May 1779. The church was rebuilt from the remaining walls in 1825.
1940s images from the Library of Congress.
Traditionally, it was thought that the church was burned again during Sherman’s March to the Sea at the end of the Civil War. While the church was again destroyed, a letter dated February 3, 1866 by Milton Leverett states, “Sheldon Church not burnt. Just torn up in the inside but can be repaired.” It is now thought that the church was gutted by locals who were in search of building materials to rebuild their own war-devastated homes. (This information comes from the Leverett Letters, which was published by the University of South Carolina Press.) After this destruction, the church was abandoned and left to ruin.
Images show the interior view from the alter looking toward the front door, the view from the road and the interior view from the front entrance toward the alter. William Bull’s grave can be seen directly in front of the alter. Images by Carmen Pinckney.
The building was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1970. The site is owned and maintained by the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort. The ruins are a beautiful feature set amongst ancient live oaks, dripping in Spanish moss, and old graves of members past. Governor William Bull is buried here in a place of honor in front of the interior alter. Today the ruins are surrounded by fencing to protect the historic site. While visiting, please respect the property as hallowed ground. The Sheldon Church Ruins are located on Old Sheldon Church Road between Yemassee and Beaufort, just off Highway 17.
Information found on the National Register of Historic Places, S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, the Leverett Letters, and Historic Resources of the Lowcountry.
Visit Old Town Bluffton’s oldest surviving church.
Photo by Glenn Hanna
The charming and beautifully maintained Campbell Chapel AME Church sits proudly on Bluffton’s Boundary Street. It is the oldest sanctuary in Old Town Bluffton. The modest Greek Revival style church was constructed in 1853 as the Bluffton Methodist Church. The church was acquired by the African Methodist Episcopal congregation for $500 in 1874. The cast iron bell that still hangs in the cupola was installed by the new congregation. The bell is stamped with “B.N. & C.in 0” on the yolk. It was produced by Blymyer Norton & Company, which made bells from 1867-1873. The historic one-story church has a three-bay façade with a double-door entry flanked by two windows. The front portico is supported by four tapered square columns.
Bell images from the National Register of Historic Places. Damage from an early 2oth century storm can be seen in this image found on the Island Packet website.
The church is covered in board and batten siding that was probably applied during the 1874 renovation by the new owners. A 9’6’’ cupola sits on the roof ridge above the front portico. The wing on the right side was a 1966 addition.
Images by Hilton Head Monthly, and Andrew Smith.
Campbell AME Church is significant for its ties to the Bluffton African American community during and after Reconstruction. Nine freedmen purchased the building in 1874. Several of the founders were farmers who prospered in the years following the war. Once purchased, the new congregation altered the building and made improvements that made the building distinctly their own. During Reconstruction, the church served as a church, school, and outreach for the greater community. The church stands as a reminder of the way Bluffton’s freedmen formed a new society in the aftermath of the Civil War. Their changes to the church reflect the booming local economy and the desire to update the building to keep up with new construction in the area.
According to the 2018 National Register of Historic Places application, “The building represents the history of a people anxious to start a new life of freedom and demonstrate a successful start to that new life through the purchase and modification of this church building. Through the safe environment that this church provided, African Americans in late 19th century Bluffton were educated, formed a community structure, and assumed their place in American society.”
Images by Alice DeForest, Andrew Smith and LM GS.
A new, modern worship center was constructed just next door in 2004. This state-of-the-art building has a fellowship hall and sanctuary complete with a balcony. The original church is still functional and in use. For more information on attractions in the South Carolina Lowcountry visit southcarolinalowcountry.com.
Looking for a place to practice social distancing while enjoying the natural wonder of the South Carolina Lowcountry? The grounds of Coastal Discovery Museum are just what you’re looking for!
Photo by Louli Kourkounakis.
The Coastal Discovery Museum is located on Hilton Head Island. The museum displays permanent and travelling exhibits that focus on the Lowcountry’s natural history and cultural heritage. The museum and its grounds are a part of the Honey Horn property. Interpretive trails wind through the woods and along the marsh and Jarvis Creek. This is a great place to spend the day while social distancing.
Images by DE Void, Vic Noel, Charles Walker, Elizabeth Keener, Presnell, Rory dela Paz Brent.
The Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery House is located along the main road into Honey Horn. Stop in the museum first to view the exhibits. Admission is free. This building dates back to 1859. It holds both temporary and permanent exhibits that focus on the Lowcountry’s natural history and cultural heritage. There’s also a Kid’s Zone to keep the little ones entertained.
Images by Pete Welch, Tarak Vasavada, Thomas Bratten, Melissa Keenan, Jacob, Chris N, Chris N, Brian Gomez, Susan Chastain.
The vistas seen from the trail boardwalks stretch across the marsh and tidal creek. While walking, be on the lookout for interpretive panels that explain the natural beauty of Lowcountry estuaries and marine habitat.
Photos found on Coastal Discovery Museum website, Vic Noel, and Coastal discovery Museum Facebook page.
The property is home to several live oak trees that were planted in the early 1800s. You can also find a former state champion Southern Red Cedar tree on the property. This is one of the largest of its kind in the state. The germination date has been estimated at 1595. Bald cypress, Dogwood, Gingko, Southern Magnolia and Pecan trees can also be seen here.
Native American replica shell ring image found on Coastal Discovery Museum Facebook page.
While walking the grounds, be sure to stop at the replica shell ring. Native Americans built similar rings as far back as 4,000 years ago. The exact purpose of these rings is unknown. The Coastal Discovery replica shell ring was built with real Native American oyster, whelk and clam shells, animal bones and other historic materials.
Butterfly images by Dave Lamb, Laura Dowling and Thomas Bratten.
No trip to the Coastal Discovery Museum is complete without touring the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Habitat. This enclosed greenhouse garden is home to a number of native butterflies from May to October. Nectar plants feed the butterflies while host plants are covered in eggs and feeding caterpillars. Informative panels are placed throughout the garden to educate visitors on the life cycle of the butterfly.
Camellia Garden images by Ruth Young, Coastal Discovery Facebook and Rebecca Yoho.
There are many gardens spread across the property. The Carnivorous Plants Bog Garden is home to the Venus fly trap, pitcher plants and sundews. These are all native to South Carolina. These plants expertly trap insects with their unique adaptations. The Heritage Garden features more than 30 plant species that are historically significant to the Lowcountry. Some of these varieties were used by Native Americans, while others were grown by Gullah islanders. Many of these plants are responsible for survival on the barrier islands after the Civil War. The Camelia Garden contains 131 different types of camellias. Some of the varieties were even developed in the Lowcountry.
Marsh Tacky images found on the Coastal Discovery Facebook page.
Don’t forget to wander over to the barns before you leave. The pole barn was built in the 1950s to store farming and timbering equipment. Look for the 400-pound cowling of an Atlas V rocket that washed up on the beach at Hilton Head in 2010. The horse barn was added in the 1930s. It was renovated by the museum in 2008 and is now home to two Marsh Tacky horses: Comet and Hawk. The Marsh Tacky is the South Carolina State Heritage Horse.
Red Rice and Sausage is a favorite in the Lowcountry. Whether used as a side dish or the main attraction, this iconic dish is a crowd-pleaser. It is also quite easy recipe to prepare. I like to serve it with fresh green beans and buttermilk biscuits.
Ingredients 1 cup brown rice ½ green pepper, diced ½ sweet onion, diced 1 stalk celery, diced 12-oz smoked sausage, sliced 4 strips maple bacon, cubed 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Cook rice with two cups of water over low heat.
Place bacon in a pan and cook over medium heat. When bacon starts to sizzle, add the vegetables. Sauté until the bacon is done, and the veggies are soft and transparent.
Add smoked sausage to the pan and cook until sausage plumps.
Morris Center Expands Battle of Honey Hill Exhibition
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is pleased to announce the reopening of its Battle of Honey Hill exhibition. This event is significant because the battle, fought near Ridgeland, S.C., was the first one of the Civil War to involve a large number of African Americans in combat.
With the existing diorama as the focal point, the exhibit includes new panels that tell a more detailed story of how the battle unfolded, newly unearthed artifacts from the site including tools and ammunition, a tribute to four Medal of Honor recipients, and a section entitled “Voices of Honey Hill” which shares first-hand accounts from some of the soldiers involved.
“Generous support from our sponsors made it possible to expand the exhibit which has been on display here since we opened in 2015,” says Morris Center Executive Director Tamara Herring. “We enlisted the help of Civil War scholars and strived to give it more historical context as well as explain the battle’s significance in terms of the intersection of people who were engaged in it.”
South Carolina Humanities, Town of Ridgeland, and Jasper County provided funds to support the project.
The Morris Center is open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org.
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is located in the heart of downtown Ridgeland on US 17. This facility is a learning and exhibition center dedicated to preserving and cultivating the history, culture and spirit of Ridgeland and its surrounding counties. Housed in a collection of vintage buildings, with the architecturally distinctive Sinclair Service Station as its focal point, the center features ever-changing exhibitions, interactive and dynamic learning opportunities, cultural offerings, storytelling, and other forms of art.
Bring Fido along for your next dog-friendly adventure to the South Carolina Lowcountry!
Photo by Amy Lane.
Dogs are considered family members and are treated as such in the Lowcountry. Accommodations, restaurants, tours, beaches, and charters can be found that welcome the addition of dogs to the party. Here’s a selection of activities in the South Carolina Lowcountry that are dog-friendly.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Parks and Outdoor Areas that are dog-friendly:
Hunting Island State Park allows dogs on a leash in the park. They are not allowed in cabin areas or inside the lighthouse complex. They are also not allowed on the northern tip of the island to protest critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Take advantage of the many walking trails located throughout the park.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Lake Warren State Parkallows dogs inmost outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. The trails at the park make excellent walking paths for dogs.
Edisto Beach State Parkallows dogs in most outdoor areas including the trails provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas.
Colleton State Parkallows dogs in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.
Image provided by Lanie Woods.
Dogs are permitted onHilton Head beachesbefore 10 am and after 5 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
Fikki enjoys the Lowcountry outdoors. Photo by Peach Morrison.
Hilton Head Island’s Chaplin Community Park off-leash dog park is located off William Hilton Parkway between Burkes Beach Road and Singleton Beach Road. This is a great place to bring the dogs to play with others.
Hilton Head Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Audubon Newhall Preserve allow dogs on a leash.
Photo by Amy Lane.
Hilton Head Fishing charters and river cruises that allow dogs include Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruise, Vagabond Cruise, Calibogue Cruises, Runaway Fishing Charters, and Over Yonder Charters. For websites and more information visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/charters/.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Hardeeville’sSgt Jasper Park has many walking trails that are perfect for short hikes with your dog. Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail is also a good place for dog walking. Both parks are conveniently located just off I-95.
Hardeeville Dog Park image by James Buquet.
Hardeevillealso has an off-leash dog park located in the Richard Gray Sports Complex behind City Hall, 205 Main Street. The park is divided into areas for small and large dogs. There’s also a designated area for senior dogs as well. The park has shaded benches and doggie water fountains. The park is conveniently located just off I-95, making it a great place to let the pups run off energy.
Yemassee’s Frampton Plantation Visitors Center enjoys visiting with dogs. They are allowed inside and out! Plan a picnic on the grounds and take the dog for a walk through the woods. Come inside and visit with the friendly staff that love visits from leashed dogs. The center is located on I-95 at Exit 33.
Beaufort Bricks on Boundary Common Ground Coffeehouse and Market Café Hemingways Bistro Luther’s Rare & Well Done Panini’s on the Waterfront Plums After a downtown meal, be sure to go for a walk at the Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park.
St Helena Island Johnson Creek Tavern Marsh Tacky Market Café After a St. Helena meal, walk through the Chapel of Ease and Ft. Fremont.
HHI Skull Creek Boathouse Captain Woody’s Old Oyster Factory Crazy Crab Up the Creek Pub & Grill Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks Fishcamp on Broad Creek Go for a walk through Audubon Newhall Preserve or Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Bluffton The Cottage Old Town Dispensary Katie O’Donalds Okatie Ale House Fat Patties Guiseppi’s Pizza Captain Buddy’s Charters Go for a walk through the many parks in the Old Town area of Bluffton, or Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve.
Walterboro Fat Jacks Sonic Drive-in After dinner, stroll through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
Edisto Island Seacow Eatery Flowers Seafood Pressley’s at the Marina La Retta’s Pizzeria McConkey’s Jungle Shack After dinner, walk through Bay Creek Park or Edisto Beach State Park.
Ridgeland Alchile Mexican Grill Eats & Sweets Bakery Fiddlers Seafood PJ’s Coffee House Go for a walk through Blue Heron Nature Center’s trail after dinner.
Doggie life jackets are a good idea if you plan to add boating to your agenda. Photo by Charlotte Pinckney.
Dog friendly accommodations are easy to find in the Lowcountry. Many rental homes, hotels and bed & breakfast locations are happy to accept your furry friends.
The historic Anchorage 1770 is dog friendly.
Certain rooms at the Anchorage 1770 are also dog friendly. Just let the staff know you plan to bring your furry friend, and you will be booked accordingly. The Beaufort Inn also allows dogs.
While visiting Lowcountry parks and wildlife management areas, dog owners are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal’s excrement. Please keep in mind, it is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
When going on outings with your dog be sure to bring food, trail treats, water and water bowl, plastic bags, leash, and collar. Make sure your current contact information is on your dog’s collar. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Visitors to the Frampton Plantation Visitors Center often ask advice on what to see and do in the Lowcountry. The conversation always turns to food. No matter the Lowcountry destination, I always recommend trying the shrimp and grits. This dish is a treat of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Most natives have their own way of cooking it. I learned from two local treasures: Daufuskie Island’s Sallie Ann Robinson and my father-in-law Ryan Pinckney.
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a scoop of southern grits topped with shrimp and gravy. Combining the knowledge gained from watching the master chefs, I came up with a concoction that fit the bill on a cold winter’s night!
Ingredients: 1-pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined paprika salt & pepper 1-cup all-purpose flour 1 medium onion, diced 1 stalk celery, diced ¼ green bell pepper, diced 4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces Additional bacon, crumbled for garnish 1 cup bacon grease grits chicken stock butter fresh parsley
Directions Cook a pot of grits using water, a little chicken stock, salt, and butter. Simmer on low.
Season the shrimp with paprika, salt and pepper, then set it aside.
Dice and sauté bacon with celery, bell pepper and onion. Remove veggies and bacon from pan and put into blender. Pulse until it turns into a gravy consistency.
Heat bacon grease in pan. Use a plastic bag to coat shrimp in flour. Shake off excess and fry shrimp, just until they turn pink. Remove from pan.
Using the same pan, warm gravy until bubbly. Pour gravy over grits and top with shrimp. Garnish with parsley and crumbled bacon.
This recipe makes a gravy that is thicker than what you normally see in a restaurant, but the flavor is delicious. It’s a simple and wholesome meal that takes me back to the memories of my father-in-law’s kitchen and all the delicious meals that he would prepare.
The Lowcountry’s Favorite Comfort Food Cooked by Daufuskie Island’s Favorite Chef
Shrimp gravy simmers while Sallie Ann tells stories of Daufuskie. Image by Carmen Pinckney.
Daufuskie Island’s own chef Sallie Ann Robinson tours the Lowcountry teaching Gullah cooking. The sixth-generation island native has authored several cookbooks and conducts cooking demonstrations both locally and nationally. She came to the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and taught participants how to cook shrimp and grits and share stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island.
Old and new friends gather around their favorite Lowcountry chef. Photo submitted by Carmen Pinckney.
The evening started off with glasses of wine and conversation. After we were properly acquainted, Sallie Ann started a demonstration that was intermingled with cooking and stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island. She shared stories of a very influential sixth grade year spent with her teacher (and later famous author) Pat Conroy. He wrote a book about his experiences on the island entitled The Water is Wide. Conroy would later write the forward to Sallie Ann’s first cookbook entitledGullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way.
Sallie Ann prepares ingredients for her recipe. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
As Sallie Ann weaved a tale of island stories, she fried bacon and stirred a pot of grits. She sprinkled shrimp with spices and tossed them in flour. Then she cooked the shrimp until they reached the perfect shade of pink.
Participants get a closer look at the magic happening in the pan. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
She next sautéed the vegetables until they were tender and added the shrimp back to the pan. The flavors simmered together until the gravy thickened and turned a beautiful brown.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
When we felt like we couldn’t stand it any longer, the shrimp and gravy was ladled over the slow-cooked grits and presented to us! Believe me when I tell you, it was worth the wait! I have never tasted anything so delicious and comforting. I’m glad it was a cold night, because the meal warmed me from the inside out!
Photo submitted by Carmen Pinckney.
As the evening came to an end, I waited in line with everyone else to have Sallie Ann sign my cookbook. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with the sixth-generation Daufuskie native who is both an entertainer and a master chef. She is most definitely a Lowcountry treasure. After her demonstration I gathered ingredients and made my family’s Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Sallie Ann’s recipe for Cooper River Smuttered Shrimp can be found in her cookbook Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way. To experience a tour on Daufuskie with Sallie Ann Robinson, visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/daufuskie-island-tours.
Limited mobility is not a problem in the SC Lowcountry.
Sgt. Jasper Park photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
The South Carolina Lowcountry is the perfect destination for people with limited mobility. The consistency of our flat ground makes reaching many attractions easily attainable. Come tour the natural beauty of our unspoiled landscape. Bask in the sunshine at one of our beaches, view the carefully preserved architecture and experience a fishing expedition. There’s something here for everyone!
For beautiful sunsets that are unmatched in beauty, head over to Port Royal’s Sands Boardwalk. Make sure to stop by the Cypress Wetlands Rookery on the way. Roll through the paved trail loop and look for egrets, herons, eagles and migratory birds.
Image by Friends of Crystal Lake.
Interested in fishing while in Beaufort? Head over to the Crystal Lake Park. The 25-acre park has a boardwalk that surrounds the lake and has docks that are perfect for catch and release fishing.
Hwy 21 Drive-in image by Dan Reger.
Looking for nighttime fun? Beaufort is one of the few cities where you can step back in time and go to a drive-in movie. The Highway 21 Drive-in has been updated with a digital format and concession stand snacks can be ordered online. They have two screens which show double features Thursday – Sunday nights. Grab your blankets and pillows and have fun the old-fashioned way!
This image, taken from the top of the lighthouse, shows wheelchair friendly sidewalks that can be used to tour the lighthouse grounds. Photo by Bobby Weiner.
Like to go camping on the beach? The Hunting IslandState Park Campground has an all-terrain wheelchair and Handicapped-equipped restrooms and mobi-mats that allow for smooth access to the beach. There’s also another wheelchair located near the lighthouse. Call 843-838-2011 for more information. Visit the nature center and the marsh boardwalk. Both are accessible by wheelchair. Tour the grounds of the lighthouse and see the footprint of the former facilities.
Spanish Moss Trail image by Carmen Pinckney.
Beaufort’s Spanish Moss Trailis a 12-ft wide trail that follows the path to Parris Island that was used by the railroad to bring recruits to the marine training facility. No longer in use, the rails were removed, and a trail was constructed to lead visitors and locals along a path that winds through wooded areas and across the waterways of Beaufort County. Fishing can be done from several bridges along the way.
Bluffton
The Garvin-Garvey House and adjacent Oyster Factory Park have sidewalks for easy wheelchair access. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Old Town Bluffton is located along the shores of the May River. Stroll along the paths of the Oyster Factory Park or Wright Family Park. Oyster shell-paved sidewalks lead right to the door of theGarvin-Garvey House for a tour of Bluffton’s restored freedmen cottage. If Spending a Day in Old Town Bluffton be sure to visit the Church of the Cross, and stroll through the grounds of the Heyward House Museum.
The Bluffton Shell Art Trail leads throughout Old Town Bluffton. Image by Carmen Pinckney.
The Bluffton Shell Art Trail is another fun outdoor activity that is accessible. Download the map and set out to discover all 21 shells that are placed throughout the historic district.
Hilton Head
Image from Coastal Discovery Museum website.
Hilton Head is home to the Coastal Discovery Museum. This facility also has nature trails and a butterfly pavilion. The museum also conducts tours on site and around the island.
If getting out on the water is on the agenda, spend an afternoonSailing the Coastal Waters. Tours range from dolphin searching to dinner cruises.
Hilton Head Beaches are handicapped accessible. Image from HiltonHead.com.
The town of Hilton Head offers matting for regular wheelchairs near beach accesses at Alder Lane, Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and Islanders Beach Park. The town does not offer modified wheelchairs. Call 843-341-4600 for more information.
Daufuskie Island is best seen by golf cart. Image from SC Living Magazine.
Daufuskie Island is an adventure that is not to be missed. The island is situated between Savannah and Hilton Head. It is only accessible by boat. Ferry services are available. Rent a golf cart and explore the Robert Kennedy Trail and learn the History of this Gullah Paradise where Pat Conroy used to teach in a two-room schoolhouse. Explore the island to your heart’s content with so much to see. Experience the secluded beaches, Daufuskie Island Rum Company, Bloody Point Lighthouse, Historic Gullah Homes, Mary Field School, The Iron Fish Studio, historic churches, Silver Dew Winery, and so much more.
Hampton
Lake Warren fishing pier is the perfect place to park a wheelchair and throw out a fishing line. Image by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Hampton County is home to the Lake Warren State Park. Enjoy fishing in the lake for largemouth bass, brim, redbreast, and other freshwater fish. There are docks to fish from shore or you can rent a boat and troll the 200-acre lake.
Hardeeville
Look for alligators while driving through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Image by David Moran.
Hardeeville is home to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This vast natural wonder has a driving tour through former rice fields that are teaming with an abundance of waterfowl. Look for alligators and migratory birds as you make the slow drive through the refuge.
Sgt. Jasper Park image by Carmen Pinckney.
Sgt. Jasper Park is another great place to view nature in Hardeeville. Several of the trails are designed for people with mobility impairment. You can also fish at the park.
Ridgeland
Blue Heron Park image from Facebook.
Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail winds around a pond and its surrounding wetlands. It’s conveniently located just off the interstate. It’s a great place to get out of the car and take in fresh air and relaxation.
Frampton Plantation House, c. 1868 – Lowcountry & Resort Islands Visitors Center and Museum has a ramp for easy access into the house. Photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Another Jasper County gem that’s located on I-95 is the Frampton Plantation House Visitors Center and Museum. It has sidewalks, a picnic area and ramp for guests with disabilities. Come inside and see the 153 year-old house that was saved from demolition by the Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Walterboro
Photo from Walterboro Wildlife Center Facebook.
The newly opened Walterboro Wildlife Center features native wildlife of the state’s largest city park, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. Come to the center to view the interpretive exhibit hall showcasing plant and animal life. ClickHERE to see the newest addition to the collection. After a visit to the center, drive over to tour the sanctuary and experience nature firsthand.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Bear Island Wildlife Management AreaandDonnelley Wildlife Management Area are other great places for bird watching. Both are easily driven, and nature can be seen up close and personal from the seats of your car. Look for Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, and other native species.
Edisto Island
A drive down this avenue of oaks takes you to Botany Bay. Image by Carmen Pinckney.
Edisto Island is steeped in history and natural beauty. Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful spot to tour from your car. The entrance to the former plantation property is lined with an iconic alley of live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Upon check-in, guests receive a driving tour map that includes information on the history of the property.
Henry Hutchinson House image by Grayce Gonzalez.
The Henry Hutchinson House is another Edisto Island treasure. The house was built by a freedman during Reconstruction. It is the oldest house of its kind on the island. It has recently been restored and the exterior is on display to celebrate this important time in American history.
Photo from the Town of Edisto Beach Facebook.
Edisto Beach has rolled out the carpet for beach goers with disabilities – literally! New mats have been installed for visitors with mobility impairment. Beach wheelchairs are also available at the fire station. Simply call 843-869-2505, ext. 217 to make a reservation.
Reconstruction Era history is preserved on.Edisto’s Henry Hutchinson House gets a facelift, and much more!
The Henry Hutchinson stands tall and proud today thanks to the efforts of the Edisto Island Open Land Trust. Photo by Grayce Gonzalez.
Edisto Island is rich in Lowcountry history. A visit to the museum or one of the historic churches will put you in touch with the many former inhabitants and how they lived their lives in this coastal paradise. Highway 174 is the island’s yellow brick road that leads to the beach, dividing the island in half, from stem to stern. A little over halfway, just before the Old Post Office Restaurant, sits Point of Pines Road. A left turn down this unassuming country road leads to the Henry Hutchinson House. Look carefully to the left after passing Clark Road. Standing proudly in a field of green, is a very important part of the storied past of Edisto Island and the Reconstruction Era.
Photos by Grace Beahm Alford from a 2017 Charleston Post & Courier article shedding light on the work being done at the historic property.
In recent years, the house sat in dilapidation, as a photographer’s dream and a historic preservationist’s nightmare. The humble, but brightly painted green and red cottage has sat uninhabited for 40 years. In this time the forgotten framing, wooden siding and trim boards suffered heavily from the elements. overgrown landscape began to envelop the house in a cocoon of native foliage.
Photos by Grace Beahm Alford from a 2017 Charleston Post & Courier.
Built just two decades after the Civil War, the house and its builder play an especially important role in history. Henry Hutchinson was the son of a prosperous African American. His father James Hutchinson, along with other freedmen earned the nickname “Kings of Edisto.” He worked diligently while in bondage and later as a freedman to improve the conditions for blacks on the island. Born a slave in 1860, Henry went on to prosper as well. At the time of his marriage in 1885, Henry built this cottage as a wedding present for his bride. Just a stone’s throw away, he built and operated the island’s first freedman-owned cotton gin from 1900-1920. The infestation of the boll weevil would put an end to cotton production on the island. Today this house stands as the oldest identified freed-man’s cottage on Edisto Island. Henry lived here with his family until his death in 1940. Descendants occupied and maintained the house until about 1980. Since that time, the house has sat vacant.
The first photo shows the Hutchinson House around 1900. The second is a photo of Henry and his wife Rosa riding in their shay. Photos found on interpretive signs at the Hutchinson House.
The one and a half story cottage features three dormer windows and Victorian adornments. The rectangular house has a side gabled roof and is clad in weatherboard. Attention was paid to detail when building and decorating this house. Great pride went into the production of details that were dressed-to-impress. Hand-carved trim was applied above the first story porch and upper story roofline. Dormer windows were also crowned in fine Victorian style. When built, the residence was wrapped in porches that were later removed. The restoration hopes to replace the porch and restore the house to its original design. Listed on the National Register in 1987, the house and surrounding acreage is currently in the loving hands of the Edisto Open Land Trust.
The first image was taken in 1991. The house was still in working order. By 2007 the house was in a state of dilapidation. Images from the National Register.
Purchased in 2017, the Edisto Open Land Trust has worked diligently to put a plan in place to restore the house to its former glory. After acquisition, a massive canopy was placed over the remains to stop any further damage to the historically significant property. A large team of consultants and contractors have worked on behalf of the EOLT to stabilize the house. Upon inspection, the team realized the lightly framed house was compromised by rot and bugs. The exterior siding and interior paneling were basically holding the house together. Temporary stud walls were put in place to brace the 800 sq. ft. house while stabilization work was completed.
The first image by Vicki Ayers shows the addition of the canopy to protect the house. The second image by Robert Behr shows the addition of new siding after the house was stabilized.
Today, the house has been stabilized. A new roof and siding have been added as well. The windows have been replaced with period glass, and the canopy has been removed. Future projects include replicating the three-sided porch and missing exterior Victorian details. Rear addition and interior restorations are also planned. The Trust hopes to include a public path around the historic property. Future endeavors aim to open the house as a museum by 2022.
The first photo was taken by Grayce Gonzalez. It shows the Hutchinson House restoration. The map
Visitors are encouraged to see the work that has taken place. A parking area has been put in place with interpretive signs detailing the history of the house and its importance as a survivor of the Reconstruction Era when African Americans prospered in a new way. The house tells the story of the late 19th century Kings of Edisto and their success. The Henry Hutchinson House can be found at 7666 Point of Pines Road on Edisto Island.
Information gathered from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Charleston Post & Courier articles, and Edisto Open Land Trust Newsletter.
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