South Carolina Heritage

From the founding of Charles Towne to the cultural resilience of the Gullah Geechee and the artistry of Cherokee traditions, South Carolina’s heritage sites celebrate the state’s deep and enduring roots.

Founders Day Festival at Charles Towne Landing SHS

Watch as history comes to life across a storied state.

South Carolina's unique culture is woven from the fabric of modern traditions and the treasured customs of days gone by. Explore the mountains, Midlands and coast of our storied state, and make some history of your own along the way.

An American History Lesson: Must-See Museums

Go beyond the textbooks and step into the living history of the Palmetto State. These museums offer immersive experiences that bring South Carolina’s contributions to America’s history to life.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

History Comes Alive at Charles Towne Landing

From a replica 17th-century ship to heirloom crops, zoo animals and archaeological discoveries, Charles Towne Landing lets you experience the early colony where South Carolina’s story began.

Couple watching Revolutionary War reenactment, Camden

Reliving the Revolution

Explore some of the most significant Revolutionary War battle sites in the Palmetto State and discover the pivotal role they played in the American Revolution.

Explore South Carolina’s Rich Cultural Legacy

The story of South Carolina isn’t just one story—it’s many. South Carolina’s heritage sites honor the people and moments that built the state—and helped shaped the nation.

Lost Flavors Found: Heirloom Foods to Try

From Gullah staples to Native American grains, South Carolina’s heirloom ingredients are making a comeback. Taste the history—and the heart—of the Palmetto State through these revived Southern treasures.

Discover Native American History at South Carolina State Parks

From the Catawba Nation to the echoes of Cherokee paths, South Carolina’s parks offer a window into the history and culture of the state’s original inhabitants.

Historic Churches in South Carolina Bring Generations Together

From Sunday services to choir rehearsals and fellowship dinners, churches have long served as the heart of African American communities. Find details on more than 100 South Carolina churches with historical significance in The Green Book of South Carolina.

Lighthouses of South Carolina

From the black-and-white stripes of Hunting Island to the unique angles of Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Light, South Carolina’s lighthouses are as diverse as they are historic.

Tabby Architecture, Known as Coastal Concrete, Still Stands Strong After 300 Years

Made of shells and sweat, tabby is one of the oldest building methods in the South. Discover how this material shaped the architecture of South Carolina’s Lowcountry—and where you can still see it today.

Discovering the Upstate’s Native American Heritage

Oconee County was once the heart of Cherokee Lower Towns, and signs of that legacy still linger—in trail trees, river names and museums honoring the past. Join storyteller Nancy Basket on a journey through the landscapes and legends of her ancestors.

Searching for Frontier History and Fun with Kids in the Upstate

Long before GPS or pavement, this part of South Carolina was a rugged trade route and Cherokee homeland. Today, it’s a playground for history-loving families, with scenic hikes, old mills, petroglyphs and living history farms to discover.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Daufuskie Island

Historic, quirky and only accessible by boat, Daufuskie Island is one of South Carolina’s most enchanting destinations. Learn how to plan your trip—golf cart included—so you can explore its beaches, trails and Gullah heritage at your own pace.

10 Civil War History Sites to Explore

From Fort Sumter, where the first shots rang out, to hidden cemeteries and sunken submarines, South Carolina offers a powerful window into Civil War history.

4 Historic Upstate Homes Preserve Heritage of Old South

Step inside four historic homes in South Carolina’s Upstate to experience the daily routines, grand traditions and architectural beauty of the 18th and 19th centuries.

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