Take A Stroll Through South Carolina's Past At This Small Historical City Park
By AnneMarie|Published January 03, 2024
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Did you know there’s a place in South Carolina where you can get a taste of what life in a 1700s village was like way back when? It’s an experience that’s often met with pleasant surprise at just how delightful it was when it’s over, especially by younger members of the crowd who allegedly were skeptical at first, with expectations they may be bored without the electronics and entertainment of modern day living! Come along with us to explore the Living History Park in North Augusta, SC.
The Living History Park opened on West Spring Grove Avenue in North Augusta, S.C. in 1991. It started out with just a couple of structures built to represent the 50-year period of time between 1735-1785. Members of the Olde Towne Preservation Association, founded in 1991, had found land that was the site of an old abandoned water works for the city, and received permission in February of 1993 to transform the open area into the Living History park.
The Blacksmith's Forge was the first structure erected in 1993, consisting of four power poles and a flat roof at first. In later years, the sides were closed in and the chimney was built, and then in 2020 the chimney was raised and the pitch of the roof fixed. Another of the first buildings to be completed was the Potter's Shed.
In the years following 1993 up until the present, additional structures have been built including the Meeting House in 2002, Perry Hill's Cabin and Thompson Academy in 2004, Roger's Ordinary and a Sensory Garden in 2005, the Livery in 2006, the Norwood House in 2007, the Print & Post shop and a Guard House in 2008, the Corn Crib in 2009, a Colonial Barn in 2010, the New Windsor Cabinet Shop and Village Mercantile in 2011, the Sign of the Ram in 2012 ...
... a Smokehouse, Covered Bridge, Sweet Shop, and Grist Mill in 2014, the Spring House in 2016, the Trader's Cabin in 2017, Hank McKenney Glass House & Gardens in 2018, and the "jim" Farmer's Barn in 2023.
The grounds are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless the park has been reserved for a private event or the grounds crew is mowing the grass. The buildings are all locked and alarmed unless there is a public event. Before you visit, please check the park's calendar on its website (linked below) to ensure it's open during the time you're planning to visit.
Throughout the year, this North Augusta historical site offers both public events and education days. In 2022, a Colonial Trades Fair was held, for example.
For certain holidays, there are special events at the Living History Park. At Christmas, visitors can make winter feeders for the birds, children can enjoy free cider and cookies while listening to stories read by reenactors ...
This special place and the events offered happen only because of the hard work of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the park is maintained and events are a success. It's a labor of love by this community in North Augusta to preserve the past and help future generations to engage and learn its important lessons.
Public events at the park are free with donations greatly appreciated. Visit the Living History Park website and the Living History Park Facebook page for more information, including details on each of the buildings in the village, events offered during the year, and more.
