Few ghost towns in South Carolina exist with such care taken of their property and remains as is the ghost town of Colonial Dorchester along the Ashley River on the outskirts of Summerville (as opposed to the downtown historic district). And with the sweltering heat of the summer months waning as we move father into autumn, there’s no better time to explore the 300+ acres that remain of the ghost town Dorchester.
Beginning in 1697 and for nearly a hundred years after, the town of Dorchester served as a center of trade.
The tower was abandoned and fell into great disrepair. The great earthquake of 1886 actually split the tower down the middle. Eventually, iron plates would be bolted onto the tower to hold it together. Those damages have been repaired and the tower you see today is the actual tower built in 1752.
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The town includes some property line posts from the colonial days. You may see them as you explore the site... they're usually found at the corner of the property. Archaeological digs are a common site as well.
After being seized by the British during the Revolutionary War, Dorchester was abandoned soon after the war. Whether folks just simply didn't return, or the town was completely destroyed is unknown.
The ghost town of Dorchester (now known as Colonial Dorchester, or Fort Dorchester) is now a state historic site. You can download a walking tour map here and a complete cemetery tour guide here. There's a lot of history packed into this little ghost town.
Including a fort that was built to protect the church.
The church was burned by the British sometime during the occupation of Dorchester, but you can explore the remains of the fort and see its proximity to the Ashley River. Francis Marion once commanded here.
Special events take place throughout the year at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site.
Regularly conducted interpretive and guided walks are available most of the year, and special events that include Colonial themes are often held here as well. Find upcoming programs events at this link on the official website for South Carolina Parks.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic site is located at 300 State Park Rd., Summerville, SC 29485. It’s open year-round. The hours are: 9am-6pm, daily, during Daylight Saving Time and 9am-5pm, daily, the remainder of the year. Admission is $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free. Learn more on the official website of South Carolina Parks.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is located 45 minutes from Beaufort and a mere 90 minutes from Columbia.
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