A Visit To The 5 Most Historic South Carolina Towns Is Like Going Back In Time
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published January 26, 2023
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Rachel Pfutzenreuter
Author
Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
South Carolina is chock full of hospitality, ocean views, and rich history. From the cobblestone streets to stories of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars that unfolded here, history abounds. Check out these historic towns in South Carolina to immerse yourself in the culture of a bygone era.
Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina - and one of the largest. Charleston deserves mention and a visit for sure. Let’s also explore five smaller cities, or towns, where history comes alive.
Let’s begin with the quaint town of Beaufort, founded in 1711, making it the second oldest town in South Carolina. Coastal mansions dating back to the 1800s have been preserved in all their glory.
The house at 601 Bay Street was built in 1852 and served as headquarters for a union general during the Civil War. Graves from the Civil War and every American conflict since are found at the Beaufort National Cemetery. Nearby, Hunting Island State Park is home to a lighthouse erected in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. Visit the Beaufort website to plan your trip.
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Next up we have Georgetown, the third oldest town in South Carolina, incorporated in 1729. In 1732 it developed into a busy port, the second port for the state, after Charleston.
Look for the plaques placed around the historic business district highlighting events of the past, and visit the Georgetown website to learn more about the history of this town.
Welcome to Cheraw, a town named for the Cheraw Indians that was incorporated in 1820. Spotlighting Victorian architecture, the Town Hall was used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War.
The cemetery has both marked and unmarked graves dating back to the Civil War. What is thought to be the oldest remaining home, built in 1780, is at 230 Third Street. Visit the Cheraw website to learn more about the history of this town.
Welcome to the coastal town of Bluffton, South Carolina, often called the heart of the low country. The Church of the Cross was constructed on a bluff above the May River in 1857 and survived both the Civil War and a fire.
Visit the Bluffton website to plan your trip, and watch this video about the town's history.
The last stop on our tour is the college town of Newberry. The old Newberry County Court House, built in 1852, the Opera House, the Art Center, and the Museum are all on the National Register of Historic Places.
Newberry College was established in 1856. Visit the Newberry website to plan your trip.
A visit to these five historic towns in South Carolina is like going back in time. And the fact of the matter is, there are many charming historic towns in South Carolina – in addition to these five – including Camden, the oldest inland town, and Aiken, to name a couple more. Make your way through the state to soak up the history hiding in plain sight, in every nook and cranny, and around every corner.
Have you visited these historic South Carolina towns? Share your thoughts with us!
