civil war sites to visit in south carolina

South Carolina Civil War sites

by Marc Rapport

April 1, 2014

Bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor.

Published by Currier & Ives/Library of Congress

Exhibits, including “African Passages” at the Fort Moultrie visitor center explore the cultural and military aspects of the war.

Photo by Milton Morris

The Warren Lasch Conservation Center is a working laboratory that opens its doors to visitors on weekends. Interactive displays allow kids of all ages to experience what it was like to be a crewman on the H.L. Hunley .

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Hunley

Visitors to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center can observe the hull of the submarine inside its 90,000-gallon conservation tank and learn about the latest archaeological findings during weekend tours offered on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The lab is located at 1250 Supply St. in North Charleston. Regular admission is $12, with children under 5 admitted free. For more information, contact Friends of the Hunley at (843) 743-4865, ext. 10, or visit hunley.org .

Photo by Mic Smith  

The Penn Center stands on the site of the South’s first school for freed slaves, which opened on St. Helena Island in 1862 during Union occupation. Today it serves as a center for preserving and interpreting Gullah culture.

Photo by Keith Phillips

Visitors to Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site can explore the grounds for a glimpse of what life was like in antebellum South Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Redcliffe Plantation

Cheraw’s Lyceum survived Sherman’s occupation and today serves as the town museum.

Photo courtesy of SCPRT

Tours of the Burt-Stark mansion include the men’s parlor where Jefferson Davis officially disbanded the Confederate government on May 2, 1865, declaring, “All is indeed lost.”

The fiery voices of secession had carried the day. Reveling in South Carolina’s newly declared independence from the Union, Gov. Francis W. Pickens demanded that federal troops garrisoned in Fort Sumter, one of several outposts guarding Charleston Harbor, abandon their position. Rebels controlled all of the other coastal defenses, including Fort Moultrie, on the southern tip of Sullivan’s Island, and Fort Johnson, on the northern end of James Island, and under secession flags, Confederate troops trained their cannons on Sumter’s brick enclosures. 

The tension broke at 4:30 a.m., April 12, 1861, when a 10-inch mortar round fired from Fort Johnson began a 34-hour exchange of artillery fire that lit up the sky and marked the first battle of the U.S. Civil War. 

The war that forever changed the course of our nation began—and some say officially ended—right here in South Carolina. To mark the 150th anniversary of the conflict, South Carolina Living presents this travel guide to our state’s most significant Civil War sites, parks and museums. From the opening salvo against Fort Sumter in Charleston, to the collapse of the Confederate government at the Burt- Stark Mansion in Abbeville, to the dawn of a new era for former slaves at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, these unique places provide a living sense of history and a way for families to enjoy a day together exploring modern-day South Carolina.   

CHARLESTON: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

As the Confederate assault on Fort Sumter wore on through its first day, jubilant Charlestonians flocked to the waterfront streets to watch the fireworks. Some sipped cocktails from their balconies, unaware that the events unfolding before them were the start of what would become one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. The battle ended when the federal troops, outgunned and low on provisions, surrendered the fort, but Charleston paid the price for rebellion over the next four years as the Union Navy blockaded and bombarded the city until the war’s end in 1865. 

Fort Sumter National Monument 

Located on a man-made island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is surprisingly serene, especially when you consider its violent history. “It’s such a beautiful, scenic place to visit it’s hard to imagine what was happening then, but you can see exactly where it all took place, and it really sticks with you when you stand out there and feel it,” says Michael Allen, a National Park Service historian. 

Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie on nearby Sullivan’s Island, and a visitor Education Center on Liberty Square in downtown Charleston, are all part of the Fort Sumter National Monument, but each is a distinct attraction in its own right. Displays at the education center walk visitors through the events leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter and include a stunning 20-by-36-foot replica of the flag that flew over the fort during the battle. Fort Sumter itself is accessible by ferry boats that leave from the center and from Patriots Point. Rangers greet the boats dockside to narrate the events that took place in 1861, then visitors are free to roam the grounds guided by interpretive exhibits describing the fort’s unique place in history. 

Fort Moultrie, accessible by car, has its own visitor center documenting the fort’s use from the Revolutionary War period all the way up to World War II. Exhibits also explore the sometimes gritty reality of the state’s history and the build-up to the Civil War. A highlight is the dramatic “African Passage” exhibit, a heart-wrenching examination of the slave trade including the meticulously documented story of Priscilla, a 10-year-old girl taken captive in Sierra Leone and shipped to America in 1756. Also on site is a monument—a simple bench put in place by the Toni Morrison society—marking the very spot where at least one-fourth of all the enslaved Africans brought to America first landed. 

Telling the full history of the events surrounding the war is important, Allen says, even if it’s sometimes painful. 

“The National Park Service sees all this as an opportunity to meet our goal of telling the broad-based story of what happened here,” he says. “We’re working with partners who have come together to tell the story of what happened in the battlefield, who wore the gray and blue uniforms, who pulled the lanyard to fire the first cannon, but also those on the home front, who managed affairs while relatives were away, and the role of the African-Americans whose freedom came out of this.” 

Fort Sumter National Monument is open year-round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours vary by site and season. For details, visit nps.gov/fosu or call (843) 883-3123. For Fort Sumter ferry information, visit fortsumtertours.com or call (800) 789-3678.

Warren Lasch Conservation Center 

One of the great mysteries of the Civil War—the fate of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley —has puzzled historians ever since the night of Feb. 17, 1864, when the human-powered craft became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. Under the command of Lt. George Dixon, an eight-man crew exploded a torpedo beneath the Union warship USS Housatonic , but the victorious sub never returned to port.

In 2000, marine archeologists raised the intact Hunley from the muddy seafloor and placed it in a 90,000-gallon conservation tank located in the former Navy yard in North Charleston. In the years since, researchers have recovered and buried with military honors the remains of the crewmen, restored numerous artifacts and rewritten the history books on how the sub was constructed and operated. But they have yet to determine exactly why it sank.

The search for answers continues, funded in part by admission fees from weekend visitors to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. A highlight of the behind-the-scenes tour is peering down into the tank that holds the historic vessel.

“One thing that strikes you immediately is how small it is and that eight men were able to squeeze in there and power it by hand,” says Kellen Correia, executive director of Friends of the Hunley, which conducts weekend tours of the facility. “And then there’s the emotional component, as you think of the bravery that allowed them to get in there and do what they did.”

Interactive exhibits detail the operation of the sub, what historians think happened that fateful night and the biographies of the crew. Among the remarkable artifacts on display is the bent gold piece found with the remains of Lt. Dixon. A bullet struck the coin during the battle of Shiloh in 1862, sparing Dixon’s life, and he kept it for the rest of his numbered days as a good luck charm bearing the ironic inscription, “My Life Preserver.”

THE LOWCOUNTRY: LEARNING TO BE FREE

Beginning with the Battle of Port Royal Sound in November 1861, the Civil War ran a violent, tumultuous course through the Lowcountry. Beaufort was the first Southern city occupied by the Union, and the U.S. Navy soon established its southern Atlantic blockade headquarters on Hilton Head Island. Slavery was abolished on the Sea Islands, followed shortly by the birth of one of the most significant African-American history sites in the country, the Penn Center. 

Penn School National Landmark Historic District 

Shrouded by ancient oaks and tucked away on a still-rural stretch of St. Helena Island, the Penn School National Landmark Historic District is the site of the South’s first school for freed slaves. The 50-acre campus operated as a school until 1953, when it became a conference facility. During the Civil Rights era, it famously hosted strategic retreats led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Today, it also serves as a Gullah cultural center dedicated to preserving the language and traditions handed down from former slaves to their modern descendants. 

“Our visitors often tell us they get a sense of awe when they come here, both because they never realized there’s so much here at the Penn Center itself, and because it’s their first exposure, many times, to real Gullah culture and language,” says Rosalyn Brown, the center’s director of history and culture. 

Brown points guests to the York W. Bailey Museum, which shares the cultural legacy of the Gullah people and offers a gift shop featuring sweetgrass baskets, quilts, Gullah memorabilia and books. While you’re there, make sure to see the ETV-produced film documenting the Penn Center’s history. Also onsite: the Laura M. Townes Archives and Library. Open by appointment only, it features one of the oldest collections of African-American photographs in the country.

Visitors to Penn Center also can participate in the Gullah praise tradition of community sings held every third Sunday from September to May, as well as the annual Penn Center Heritage Days celebration during the second weekend in November. 

The Penn Center is open daily, except Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, visit  penncenter.com  or call (843) 838-2474. 

Robert Smalls Monument 

Robert Smalls escaped slavery in December 1862 by seizing a Confederate steamer, sailing it past rebel sentries in Charleston Harbor and delivering it to the U.S. Navy. After serving with distinction as a Union officer, he became one of the first African Americans elected to Congress. A monument to Smalls marks his burial site on the grounds of Tabernacle Baptist Church at 911 Craven St. in Beaufort. His former home at 511 Prince Street is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a nice photo op, but it’s a private residence so there are no tours. 

The Tabernacle Baptist Church grounds are open daily during daylight hours. For details, visit  beaufort-sc.com/history  or call (843) 524-0376. 

THE SAVANNAH RIVER VALLEY:  SHERMAN'S FIRST STOP

After burning Atlanta and capturing Savannah, the Union Army under Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman turned its attention to the capture of Columbia in the early days of 1865. 

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site 

Sherman’s march into South Carolina encountered its first serious resistance on the banks of the Salkehatchie River at what is now Rivers Bridge State Historic Site near Ehrhardt. Here, in the deep, swampy woods, the still-intact earthen fortifications bear silent witness to the fierce battle that raged on Feb. 2–3, 1865. Rivers Bridge is the only stateprotected Civil War battlefield site in South Carolina, and an interpretive trail takes visitors along the silent breastworks where men on both sides fought and died. 

“This is one of those special places where you can get a sense of reverence and awe just thinking about what happened here and the tragic loss on both sides,” said Phil Gaines, director of the S.C. State Park Service. “Maybe it’s the remote location and the deep woods and swamps, but sometimes you can just feel the desperation the Confederates must have felt and the wonder the northern troops must have felt, seeing such a different place than where they were from.” 

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For details, visit  southcarolinaparks.com  or call (803) 267-3675. 

Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site 

"Cotton is king!" roared South Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond in 1858 as the halls of Congress shook and war drew ever nearer. Hammond, also a former governor, knew a thing or two about cotton from his life at Redcliffe, his plantation near the Savannah River where he experimented with crops and planted uniform rows of magnolia trees that still line the lane to the manse. Donated to the state in 1973, the Greek Revival house and grounds—including preserved slave quarters and an heirloom garden—are open year-round offering a variety of seasonal interpretive programs. 

Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site is open Thursday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit  southcarolinaparks.com   or call (803) 827-1473. 

COLUMBIA: THE BURNING QUESTION

This much we know: Union troops were in control of Columbia on the night of Feb. 17, 1865, when a cotton-fueled fire leveled much of the city. Whether the fire was accidental, as Union soldiers claimed, or vengeance, as Confederates alleged, has never been determined for sure. Today, however, the capital city is an ideal place to learn more about the Civil War. 

South Carolina State Museum 

While the life-size replica of the H.L. Hunley has long been a popular exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum, the curators are marking the sesquicentennial by adding new Civil War sections each year for the next four  years. 

The first exhibit, “The Coming of the Civil War,” focuses on the causes and defining moments leading to the outbreak of hostilities. It includes such items as a table and chairs from the secession convention at Columbia’s First Baptist Church, a diorama of a secession ball in Charleston and a copy of the Ordinance of Secession. 

“Items like an 1860 Palmetto Flag really give you a feel for the new sense of independence from the rest of the union that South Carolinians were feeling in those days,” says Fritz Hamer, the museum’s curator. 

Other items, such as a 10-inch mortar shell very similar to those fired at Fort Sumter, speak to their deadly serious intent to secure that independence. 

The next exhibit opens July 22. “The Civil War in South Carolina: Duty to State and Family” focuses on the formation of military units and their service and sacrifice throughout the war. “We’ll also have a section on African-Americans from South Carolina, on where they fought for the Union and those who worked for the Confederacy,” Hamer says. 

The South Carolina State Museum is open year-round Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also open on Mondays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For details, visit  southcarolinastatemuseum.org  or call (803) 898-4921. 

MIDLANDS TO THE PEE DEE:  THE UNION ADVANCES

Done with Columbia, Sherman’s army advanced toward North Carolina roughly following the route that is now U.S. 1, and passing through Camden, Hartsville and Cheraw en route. 

The Cheraw Lyceum 

Sherman himself stayed in the Chesterfield County town of Cheraw for several days in early March of 1865, where his men, town history has it, celebrated Lincoln’s second inauguration by drinking and looting. Although the visit was punctuated by an accidental explosion of captured Confederate gunpowder that razed most of the downtown business district, more than 50 antebellum buildings are still standing. 

One of the surviving buildings, the Lyceum, was occupied by both armies during the war and is now the town museum, operated by the Chamber of Commerce. Among the stories it tells is that of the CSS Pee Dee, a gunboat that was scuttled in the nearby Great Pee Dee River after covering the Confederate retreat ahead of Sherman’s arrival. The Lyceum was the town library during the war and the path of some of the Union soldiers could be followed into North Carolina by the books they abandoned along the way. 

The Cheraw Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce at 221 Market St. is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit  cheraw.com  or call (843) 537-8425. 

ABBEVILLE: WHERE THE WAR ENDED

The armed conflicts in South Carolina all took place below the Fall Line, but the Piedmont hosted one of the war’s most significant moments.   

While historians consider Robert E. Lee's surrender at Virginia’s Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, to be the end of the war, Abbeville's Burt-Stark Mansion stakes its claim to being where the Confederate government officially disbanded. 

On the run after the fall of Richmond, Va., Confederate President Jefferson Davis stopped at the Greek revival house on May 2 en route to Mississippi. He began the day intending to fight on, but that afternoon a group of his Cabinet members and brigade commanders finally convinced him that the South was defeated. 

"'All is indeed lost,' he finally brought himself to say," says Katy Tilley, a member of Little River Electric Cooperative and chairman of the Abbeville Historic Preservation Committee. "It was right here in the men’s parlor."

A distraught Davis dismissed his Cabinet, sent the troops accompanying him on their way, then retired to an upstairs bedroom to rest before continuing his journey. The bed he slept in is on display and visitors touring the house and grounds can easily imagine the events of the war’s final moments, Tilley says. "It was a great struggle and it indeed, had come to an end. Right here in Abbeville." 

The Burt-Stark Mansion is open Friday-Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., other times by appointment. Admission is $10 per person. For details, visit  burt-stark.com  or call (864) 366-0166.

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Historic Columbia

Civil War Sites

South Carolina's capital city played a central role in the American Civil War. Though the war's first shots occurred in Charleston, the foundation for the unprecedented conflict was laid in Columbia on December 17, 1860 when Secession Convention delegates met in the new Baptist Church. Impressions of Columbia during the war were fed by the media, most notably nationally circulated newspapers that featured illustrations of landmark buildings, political leaders, and events. Some images show the city before it burned. Others, rendered between February 1865 and April 1866, documented the extent of its destruction.

Waypoints (12)

Sc state house, 1100 gervais street, 1201 main street, 1203 gervais street, 1031 assembly street, 800 gervais street, 501 gervais street, west side of saluda river, 1217 botanical parkway, 1802 lincoln street, intersection of barnwell and calhoun streets, corner of barnwell and calhoun streets, 1306 hampton street, northeast corner of marion and pendleton streets, 1368 pendleton street, 1431 pendleton street, intersection of sumter and college streets, 886 sumter street.

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On the anniversary of President Lincoln’s 1863 "Gettysburg Address," a volunteer in period dress lights luminarias. The candles illuminate markers commemorating soldiers killed at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Top 10 U.S. Civil War Sites

These ten places will transport you back to the time of the blue vs. the gray.

Fort Sumter National Monument; Charleston, South Carolina The U.S. Civil War began at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery unleashed a barrage on the Federal fort. Sumter’s Union defenders surrendered after 34 hours; two soldiers (both from the Northern ranks) were killed during the engagement. Unfortunately the following four years would prove far bloodier for both sides.Over three million men fought in America’s brother-against-brother conflict and more than 600,000—2 percent of the entire population—died. The war settled the question of Union versus States’ Rights, ended slavery, and laid the groundwork for a new political and economic order that eventually guided America’s rise to superpower status.Visitors to Fort Sumter, where it all began, can walk the fort’s walls, examine a wide array of artillery pieces, explore the museum, and enjoy the same views the fort’s defenders saw from the harbor of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Naval history buffs will enjoy an added bonus; the famed Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley can be visited nearby in the old Charleston Naval Shipyard.

Manassas national battlefield park; manassas, virginia hopes of a quick and glorious northern victory were dashed at manassas when thousands of idealistic young soldiers and 90-day recruits clashed. the battle of first manassas (first bull run), in july 1861 ended with federal troops—and spectators who had traveled from washington to watch a victory—fleeing the field in a disorganized rout at the hands of confederate forces.the second battle on these fields, during august 1862, ended with another confederate victory, one that set the stage for gen. robert e. lee’s first invasion of the north.the henry hill visitor center, home to a fine museum, stands near a monumental statue to confederate gen. thomas j. jackson, who rallied troops to stop a federal advance here—earning him the nickname "stonewall." henry hill is an excellent starting point for several walking tours (around the smaller first battle of manassas field) and driving tours (around the larger grounds of the second battle of manassas)., shiloh national military park; shiloh, tennessee shiloh was the largest battle in the civil war’s mississippi valley campaign and its terrible cost was shocking to both sides. of the 109,784 men thrown into the fight on april 6 and 7, 1862, 23,746 were casualties (killed, injured, or missing) when the battle ended with a very costly union victory. living history demonstrations here offer a tangible taste of civil war camp life and are capped each year by a large event on the anniversary of the battle.shiloh triggered a titanic struggle for nearby corinth, a bustling railroad junction that for the south once held strategic importance perhaps topped only by richmond itself. corinth was the site of its own battle and an extended siege, which resulted in the loss of this key junction, a major blow to the confederate cause. today the site is within shiloh national military park and home to the corinth civil war interpretive center., richmond, virginia as capital of the confederacy, the south’s industrial heart, and the ultimate target of northern armies, richmond is rich with civil war historic sites. many of them are grouped under the auspices of richmond national battlefield park in and around the city itself.richmond was the target of several invasions by both land and sea. defensive positions and battlefields include several from the seven days campaign as well as new market heights (scene of the u.s. colored troops’ legendary charge), and drewry’s bluff, where confederate guns foiled an attack by a u.s. naval fleet.much of the city burned during evacuation and occupation in april 1865, but numerous historic structures remain. the national battlefield park’s main visitors center is located in the tredegar iron works, where many confederate munitions were produced. the site of the former chimborazo hospital, where countless wounded from virginia’s many battlefields were treated, is now a museum to the war’s medical history., antietam national battlefield; sharpsburg, maryland the setting sun of september 17, 1862, ended the bloodiest one-day battle in u.s. history. some 23,000 soldiers, from both sides, were killed, wounded, or missing in action after the battle of antietam near sharpsburg, maryland. that terrible cost was more than nine times as many americans as were lost on d-day, the bloodiest day for the u.s. in world war ii.though the battle did not result in a convincing victory for either side (northern troops were able to turn back lee's maryland invasion), antietam had a major effect on the course of the war—and on the lives of millions of people.declaring the slaves free meant total war between north and south. no negotiation or reconciliation would be possible save one side crushing the other by force of arms. as union armies moved south, about one of every seven slaves escaped to the northern troops, and many african-americans served under the union banner.today, battlefield visitors can explore landmarks like burnside’s bridge, the cornfield, and dunker church. a walk down bloody lane is a bit like stepping into a civil war photograph. that spot saw some of the war’s fiercest fighting, and the first graphic photos of the war’s appalling casualties were shot here., gettysburg national military park; gettysburg, pennsylvania a trip to gettysburg enables visitors to walk some of america’s truly sacred soil. the well-preserved battlefield is dotted with legendary combat sites such as devil’s den and little round top, which appear now much as they did in the fateful days of july 1863.no trip to gettysburg is complete without walking the route of the war’s most famous assault. pickett’s charge, named after flamboyant gen. george pickett, who lost much of his division in the desperate charge against the union forces on cemetery ridge, was one of the war’s most poignant moments. it was also the end of lee’s hopes for victory in pennsylvania. visitors to gettysburg's focal point, the angle, can stand at the high-water mark of the confederacy, the point from which the southern cause slowly ebbed away to defeat.the gettysburg battlefield looks much as it did in july 1863 though now marked with many monuments to remember the three-day battle’s 51,000 casualties. more memorials can be found in the soldiers national cemetery, which was the site of president abraham lincoln’s now famous gettysburg address on november 19, 1863., vicksburg national military park; vicksburg, mississippi the city of vicksburg, mississippi, was the scene of a civil war siege from may 18 to july 4, 1863. the 47-day standoff for the city was also waged for control of the mississippi river. vicksburg’s surrender effectively split the confederacy in two by giving the union control of the critical waterway. “vicksburg is the key,” abraham lincoln once said. “the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.”today, vicksburg national military park essentially circles the city. a 16-mile tour road parallels the union and confederate lines and features 15 designated stops at places from artillery battery sites to the vicksburg national cemetery—final resting place of some 17,000 dead. the ironclad gunboat u.s.s. cairo, sunk in 1862 and not raised until 1964, has been restored and, together with an adjacent museum, offers a fascinating glimpse of civil war naval life..

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Andersonville National Historic Site; Andersonville, Georgia The fighting was over for Union soldiers who made the long trip to confinement in Andersonville, Georgia—but the danger had hardly ended. More than 45,000 Northerners were held at Camp Sumter during the 14 months that this most notorious of Civil War prisons was operational. Nearly 13,000 men died from disease, malnutrition, exposure, and other ills during 1864 and 1865.Walking the grounds of the 26.5-acre prison, now delineated with white posts, it’s hard to believe how many men were packed into the area. Sections of reconstructed stockades and gates stand in the fields, and living historians often illustrate what life was like under the camp’s brutal conditions. Providence Spring, a water source that emerged during an August 1864 storm, was thought by some prisoners to be a gift from above and can still be seen today.Andersonville is also home to the National Prisoner of War Museum, which commemorates those who served as POWs in all of America’s subsequent conflicts.

Chickamauga and chattanooga national military park; fort oglethorpe, georgia/lookout mountain, tennessee for those who like to see the big picture, chickamauga and chattanooga national military park offers a chance to view a theater of war at the macro level. from the heights of lookout mountain, visitors can gaze over miles of surrounding landscape and trace the movements of both armies during the epic campaign for chattanooga.the 5,300-acre chickamauga battlefield was the site of the south’s last major victory, in september 1863. by november of that year union forces had prevailed in the larger campaign, however, and were in control of chattanooga.lookout mountain battlefield is well worth a visit, not only for its historic treasures but also for its breathtaking views. the fight on these slopes was nicknamed the “battle above the clouds,” and james walker’s massive painting depicting the struggle is on display in the visitors center here..

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park; Appomattox, Virginia The first step toward healing a nation was taken on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865, when Gens. Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant sat down in the parlor of the McLean House and signed surrender terms. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia essentially ended the war and sealed the South’s fate, though formal Confederate resistance did not end until May 26, when Gen. E. Kirby Smith surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department in New Orleans.Today visitors to the park, the site of the Battle of Appomattox Court House, can see a reconstruction McLean House, meticulously built by the National Park Service and opened to the public in 1949. Other historic buildings here date to the fateful days of 1865. The dirt road that victorious Union troops once lined in salute to their Confederate counterparts after their surrender has been preserved, as has the spot where Lee’s army finally folded its flags and laid down its arms. Appomattox is also home to a Confederate cemetery and a museum of artifacts that includes the pencil used by Lee on the surrender terms.

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• AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

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12 Civil War Sites in South Carolina

From Fort Sumter to Parris Island, South Carolina is absolutely brimming with Civil War and American history. Be sure and check out these 12 Civil War sites in SC: 1. Charleston Museum One of the first museums in America is also the first item on our list. The Charleston Museum features not only an abundance of coastal South Carolina history, but also it features the renowned “City Under Siege” exhibit. Set in downtown Charleston, visitors will surely become familiar with some of the Civil War’s more interesting details, like what exactly lead to the secession and the subsequent firing on Fort Sumter which started the Civil War. 2. Fort Sumter National Monument Speaking of, Fort Sumter National Memorial is easily one of the most enticing historical attractions in all of South Carolina. You’d be remiss to not make plans to visit the 230-acre sea fort, scenically located along the South Carolina coast in Charleston. Apart from the impressive structure itself, the national monument also includes both the Fort Sumter Visitor Center on Patriots Point and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. Visit all three sites for the full Fort Sumter experience and discover what makes this site so special. 3. Fort Moultrie National Monument Although technically one of three Fort Sumter sites, Fort Moultrie National Monument could just as easily stand alone site for a variety of reason. Found on Sullivan’s Island, the site was actually constructed in 1776, but was involved in the 1861 conflict that lead to the start of the Civil War. Today, visitors can embark on a historical journey through the fort, viewing some of the still-standing artillery and other historical elements featured at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center. 4. Secessionville Historic District While exploring Charleston, do make time for a quick visit to the Secessionville Historic District. Encompassing over 40 acres on James Island, the district was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, as it houses a collection of sites and structures relevant to the Civil War. Some of those relevant sites include the Fort Lamar Heritage Preserve, a collection of unmarked Union solider graves, and the site of the battle of Secessionville. 5. River Bridge State Historic Site Found much more inland, Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, also carries the unique distinction of a preserved battlefield with tons of Civil War significance. Once there, you’ll embark on the 3/4-mile walking tour, viewing the largely still-remaining Civil War fortifications and the Cemetery at Rivers Bridge, all spread across almost 400 acres of central SC landscape. The site is found just about seven miles from nearby Ehrhardt. 6. South Carolina State House Set in Columbia, the South Carolina State House is known for narrowly avoiding complete destruction during Sherman’s March in 1865. Today, the building is marked with six bronze stars, or “scars,” to show where the building took damage during the conflict. During your visit, be sure and tour the grounds and catch a glimpse of the monuments to General Wade Hampton and the Confederate soldiers featuring the Army of Northern Virginia flag. The free, guided tour of the state house isn’t half-bad, either. 7. South Carolina State Museum & Confederate Relic Room As the largest museum found in the southeastern United States, it should as no surprise the South Carolina State Museum in features not only an impressive Civil War collection, but also it houses the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum in the same building. Some of the highlights include a Civil War-era H.L. Hundley submarine replica, plenty of authentic artifacts, and even several copies of the original Ordnance of Secession (that last one is pretty significant, we’d say). Plus, you really can’t beat visiting two museums for the price of one – and in the same place. 8. Saluda Mill at Riverbanks Less than three miles from the state museum, the Saluda Mill offers a more detailed look into Sherman’s occupation of the region. Though it should be noted the Saluda Mill is only accessible with paid admission to the Riverbanks Zoo – it’s absolutely worth it regardless. Once you’ve entered the zoo, you’ll take a very scenic walk down to the Saluda riverbank where an interpretive center showcases unique Civil War exhibits and memorabilia. Along with a visit to the interpretive center, you’ll also have an exclusive look at the Saluda Mill ruins. 9. Confederate Museum Considered a unique museum by some, the Confederate Museum in Charleston also houses an impressive collection of Civil War goods and items. So what’s the difference? Well, this particular museum is set in the 1841 Market Hall, and it features the first Confederate flag to fly over Fort Sumter. 10. Parris Island Museum Head over to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot near Beaufort for an in-depth look into several Civil War conflicts taking place around the Port Royal Sound area. You won’t be recruited, but you will be given the opportunity to take a driving tour of the base and see a wealth of specific sites not seen anywhere else. And if you’re interested, check out some of the historical artifacts and pieces dedicated to the United States Marine Corps. It’s not all about the Civil War here – there’s over 10,000 square feet of military history here altogether. 11. South Carolina Civil War Museum Visitors of the north shore city of Myrtle Beach won’t be without Civil War history – the South Carolina Civil War Museum features a plethora of authentic firearms, uniforms, and other artifacts. Be sure to take a snap shot of the “Four Apostles,” or Rockbridge Artillery cannon carriage, used by Stonewall Jackson. This alone worth the price of admission and it’s likely to be hit on social media. 12. South Carolina Confederate Museum And finally, despite much of South Carolina’s Civil War history taking place near the coast, the South Carolina Upcountry is home to a cherished museum all its own. Set in Greenville, the South Carolina Confederate Museum is operated by 16th South Carolina Volunteers and Sons of Confederate Veterans giving it a very authentic vibe.

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Exploring Civil War Battlefields: A Comprehensive Driving Trip Guide

by DriveSafe Online Staff | Aug 17, 2023 | Travel

Embarking on a road trip to visit Civil War sites is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into a pivotal chapter of American history. From battlefields to historic landmarks, these sites provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and events that shaped our nation. In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to help you plan a memorable driving trip to explore Civil War sites, offering travel tips, suggested itineraries, and recommendations for a fulfilling historical journey.

Research and Preparation

Study Civil War History: Familiarize yourself with the major events, battles, and key figures of the Civil War. This knowledge will enhance your appreciation of the sites you’ll be visiting.

Select Key Destinations: Identify the must-visit Civil War sites based on your interests and geographical preferences. Consider famous battlefields as well as lesser-known sites with unique historical significance.

Plan a Flexible Itinerary: Create a rough itinerary that includes travel routes, driving distances, and estimated time at each location. Allow for flexibility to accommodate unexpected discoveries or spend more time at sites that captivate you.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Vehicle Check-up: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition by performing a thorough inspection , including tires , brakes , fluids, and wipers . Carry a spare tire, tools, and a roadside emergency kit.

Pack Essentials: Pack comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget a camera, binoculars, maps, and guidebooks to enhance your experience.

Stay Informed: Check weather conditions, site hours, and any special events or closures before setting off. Stay connected with relevant apps or websites that provide historical context and information.

Itinerary Suggestions

When planning a trip to explore Civil War sites, there are numerous locations of historical significance to consider. Here are ten top Civil War sites to visit:

Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania):

Known for the famous Battle of Gettysburg, this site offers a rich historical experience with its preserved battlefields, visitor center, and informative guided tours.

Antietam National Battlefield (Maryland):

The site of the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history. Explore the battlefield, visit the Dunker Church, and gain insights into this pivotal moment in the Civil War.

Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi):

Located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this park preserves the site of the Siege of Vicksburg. It offers stunning views, historical monuments, and a museum showcasing the events that unfolded during the campaign.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Georgia and Tennessee):

This park encompasses both the Chickamauga Battlefield and Lookout Mountain, where key battles were fought. Explore the scenic landscapes, historical markers, and learn about the struggles for control of these strategic locations.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Virginia):

Visit the place where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The park features restored buildings, exhibits, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of history.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (Virginia):

Comprising four major Civil War battlefields—Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania—this park offers a comprehensive understanding of the war’s impact on the region. Explore historic structures, trenches, and walk the hallowed grounds.

Shiloh National Military Park (Tennessee):

Experience the site of the Battle of Shiloh, a major engagement that saw heavy casualties. Explore the preserved battlefields, visit the Shiloh National Cemetery, and gain insights into this critical moment in the Western Theater.

Manassas National Battlefield Park (Virginia):

This park preserves the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (Manassas). Walk along the historic trails, visit the Henry Hill Visitor Center, and witness the landscapes that witnessed the early stages of the war.

Fort Sumter National Monument (South Carolina):

Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a ferry ride to the fort, explore the exhibits, and learn about the events that led to the start of the war.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield ( Missouri ):

Visit the site of the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Explore the battlefield, view the historic Ray House, and gain insights into the conflict’s impact on the Western frontier.

These sites offer a glimpse into the events, sacrifices, and impact of the Civil War. Each location provides a unique perspective on this pivotal period in American history, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the struggles and legacies left behind.

Immerse Yourself in History

To enhance your experience on this historic tour, consider these options:

Take a Guided Tour: Consider joining guided tours at specific sites to gain deeper insights from knowledgeable historians and guides.

Use Audio Guides and Apps: Utilize audio guides and mobile apps available at many sites to enhance your understanding of the events and engage in self-guided tours.

Interact with Rangers: Interact with park rangers who offer educational programs, talks, and guided walks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sites.

Embarking on a road trip to explore Civil War sites is a captivating journey into the past. By conducting thorough research, planning a flexible itinerary, and following travel tips, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

Immerse yourself in the history, reflect on the sacrifices made, and appreciate the significance of these sites in shaping our nation. Remember to respect the hallowed grounds and heritage as you explore these historic landmarks.

By embracing the travel tips provided and immersing yourself in the stories and knowledge offered at each site, your Civil War driving trip will be an unforgettable and educational adventure. Enjoy the open road as you connect with the past and deepen your understanding of this pivotal period in American history. Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with discovery, reflection, and appreciation for our nation’s rich heritage.

Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.

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Tourism News Top 10 Historical Attractions Near Myrtle Beach

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Discover the best historical sites near Myrtle Beach during your visit, including Civil War landmarks, historic Georgetown, SC, and other historical places. Your hotel or resort at Myrtle Beach also situates you about an hour’s drive north of historic Georgetown, South Carolina, home to Gullah Geechee culture as well as historical sites dating to America’s Colonial era. You and your family will find a bounty of historical things to do while you’re in Myrtle Beach:

Atalaya Castle

Brookgreen gardens, hobcaw barony, hopsewee plantation.

• The Gullah Museum 
• Horry County Museum

Pawleys Island Historic District

Peaches corner, warbird park, what is the myrtle beach downtown historic district.

The Myrtle Beach Downtown Historic District consists of 24 buildings associated with the successful commercial development of Myrtle Beach from 1927 to 1975. The district features the original Myrtle Beach downtown core, and the boundaries extend along Eighth Avenue North, Ninth Avenue North, Main Street, Broadway Street, North Oak Street, and North Kings Highway. The Myrtle Beach Downtown Historic District is now the Arts & Innovation District.   

What fort is near Myrtle Beach?

Three significant Civil War forts are within a two-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. Forts Sumter and Moultrie in Charleston, SC, are the historical sites of the first battle of the Civil War, when Confederate rebels at Fort Moultrie instigated the war by firing on American soldiers at Fort Sumter. Fort Fisher, in North Carolina at the southern tip of New Hanover County, fell to American Union forces in January 1865, a fatal blow to the Confederate rebellion. Today, Fort Fisher is a recreation park and ecological reserve as well as a historic site. 

What are some historical facts about Myrtle Beach?

Named for the abundant wax myrtle shrubs found in the area, Myrtle Beach was first inhabited by the Waccamaw and Winyah peoples, who called their land “Chicora.” Kings Highway, today known as the trafficky main thoroughfare of the Grand Strand, began as a trade route for the Waccamaw and Winyah. Later, this trade route was used by European settlers to form a connection between the northern states and Charleston. Spanish colonizers made an unsuccessful attempt to settle in the area, but the English made it work, eventually building a thriving British colony by the 1700s. The seas were full of cargo ships and the pirates who looted them, including Edward Teach, a.k.a., Blackbeard. The area barely developed over the next two hundred years because of its remote location, although nearby rice plantations thrived from slave labor and trade. In the 1900s, a timber and turpentine company began developing their beachfront holdings in the area and billing it as a seaside resort dubbed “Myrtle Beach.” From the 1920s–1940s, Myrtle Beach grew quickly as a vacation destination, solidifying its reputation as a premier beach resort town for fun in the sun by the 1970s.

Historical Sites Near Myrtle Beach

Historically known as Atalaya, this attraction is located in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. It was designed by Archer Huntington and built from 1931 to 1933.  Atalaya served as a winter home for Archer and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington, who was a sculptor. Her sculptures can be seen throughout the botanical gardens across the street at Brookgreen Gardens. Atalaya Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Guests can visit Atalaya Castle by purchasing admission to Huntington Beach State Park. The castle is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (5 p.m. during Daylight Savings) unless there is a special event.

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Brookgreen Gardens is a sprawling botanical/sculpture garden located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. It was founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, but before its life as a public sculpture garden, the land served as a working plantation. Nowadays, locals and visitors to the Grand Strand travel to Brookgreen Gardens to see art, nature, and to learn about history with guided tours. Brookgreen is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Georgetown, an hour’s drive south of Myrtle Beach, is rich with history, as it is the third oldest city in South Carolina! Here, visitors find a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as historical and cultural museums including the Georgetown County Museum, the Kaminski House, the Rice Museum, and the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Those visiting Georgetown will also see plenty of beautiful old Southern-style homes. For history buffs, it’s worth noting that Georgetown is home to Francis Marion, “The Swamp Fox,” who led raids against the British during the Revolutionary War, toppling their control of the area.

22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Located in Georgetown, Hobcaw Barony is a 16,000-acre area purchased by business tycoon Bernard M. Baruch between 1905 and 1907 as a winter hunting retreat. His daughter, Belle W. Baruch, began purchasing pieces of the property from her father in 1936, and by 1956 she owned all of the land. When Belle died, the land was transferred to the Belle W. Baruch Foundation to preserve it for natural and historical purposes. Today, visitors can visit the property and take a guided tour to learn all about the unique history of Hobcaw Barony.

494 Hop Sewee Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Hopsewee Plantation was built as a plantation house in 1735 near Georgetown. It is famous for being the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. Hopsewee was a rice plantation until the Civil War and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Today, the house is a private residence, but it is open for public tours.

The Gullah Museum

Located in Georgetown, The Gullah Museum was founded by Gullah elder Vermelle “Bunny” Smith Rodrigues and her husband Andrew, also Gullah and a noted historian. This intimate space includes Gullah artifacts, sweetgrass dolls, and a wealth of information about the Gullah language, agricultural practices, food, and Gullah Geechee heritage. The museum also offers sweetgrass basket-making classes and children’s storytimes. 

Horry County Museum (Conway)

805 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526

The Horry County Museum opened in 1981 in Conway, SC. In 2014, the museum moved into the renovated Burroughs School from 1905, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses exhibits that focus on the history, prehistory, and natural history of Horry County. The museum opened the L.W. Paul Living History Farm in 2009. The farm allows visitors to see what life was like on a one-horse family farm from 1900–1955. The museum is free and open to the public.

The Pawleys Island Historic District is located on Pawleys Island and is comprised of 12 buildings dating from around 1780 to after World War I. Those driving through Pawleys Island will see these homes marked with plaques; they represent coastal architectural ingenuity and feature maximum ventilation, large porches, brick foundations, large chimneys, fireplaces, breezeways, servants’ quarters, and more to help make these homes into summer retreats. This area of Pawleys Island was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

900 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

If you’ve ever been to Myrtle Beach, then chances are you’ve seen Peaches Corner down on Ocean Boulevard. Peaches Corner opened in 1937 and has been serving delicious food to visitors ever since. The restaurant is still family owned and operated and has become a Myrtle Beach landmark over the years. When you’re in town, grab a burger or hot dog at Peaches Corner and become a part of Myrtle Beach history yourself! Take a look at these vintage Myrtle Beach postcards to see Peaches Corner and other historic Myrtle Beach landmarks from back in the day.

Located at the Market Common, Warbird Park is a public area with monuments dedicated to the history of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This attraction features plaques, monuments , and authentic military aircraft.

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South Carolina Is Home to 76 National Historic Landmarks… These 5 Are the Best Ones to Visit

B eginning in 1935, the United States began an increased effort to preserve important historical places around the country. It took until 1960 for the National Historic Landmark program to come to fruition under the authority of the National Park Service and, later, as a segment of the National Register of Historic Places. Today, there are over 2,600 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) throughout the country. According to the National Park Service , “The designation of a property as an NHL:

• Preserves the stories of nationally important historic events, places, and people for all Americans.
• Helps to protect the historic character of the property from any federal action.
• Might facilitate eligibility for grants, tax credits, and other opportunities to maintain its historic character.”

Some states naturally have more NHLs than others, with a majority clustered on the East Coast where early colonists jumpstarted American history. South Carolina , as one of the original 13 colonies with a rich history, is home to 76 NHLs. With so many to visit, we’ve rounded up the top five best sites to explore on your next trip to the Palmetto State .

1. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum — Mount Pleasant, SC

Okay, this first location is a bit of a cheat. The museum itself isn’t recognized as an NHL, but several of the ships featured on the naval base are. With a single stop, you can visit two vessels listed as NHLs: both the U.S.S. Laffey and U.S.S. Yorktown rest at anchor in the Charleston Harbor.

The destroyer Laffey served in the D-Day invasion in 1944, the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the blockade of Korea in 1952, and Cold War efforts between 1957 and 1964, earning the nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die.”

Yorktown , an aircraft carrier also known as the “Fighting Lady,” played a large role in the World War II offensive in the Pacific between 1943 and 1945, as well as during the Vietnam War between 1965 and 1968. She also rescued the crew and capsule from the Apollo 8 space mission in 1968.

The National Park Service designated both ships as NHLs in 1986, and both continue to serve as museum ships to educate and entertain visitors.

2. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church — Charleston, SC

St. Philip’s represents the oldest congregation in South Carolina and, in fact, the oldest congregation south of Virginia . The original wooden church took shape in 1681 at the current location of the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Broad and Meeting. The current St. Philip’s is now located on Church Street, a few blocks away, after being damaged in a hurricane and moved.

The rebuilt church features Tuscan porticoes and Roman columns, which contribute to a larger-than-life feeling within the church. The steeple, the last part of the church to be completed in 1850, stands tall enough to be used as a lighthouse that helped guide sailors into Charleson’s harbor until 1915. The church was designated an NHL in 1973 to protect its history and significance. 

3. Beaufort Historic District — Beaufort, SC

The second-oldest town in the state, Beaufort took shape on Port Royal Island in 1711. Many of the classic homes here take visitors back in time, before the Civil War. Most residents had already fled by the time Civil War armies reached the town, so they converted the buildings into hospitals, offices, and other useful purposes rather than destroy them. As such, historic Beaufort features breathtaking examples of antebellum construction, with homes designed in Federal, neoclassical, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne styles. Live oak trees hung with Spanish moss add to the atmosphere, as do the many graveyards, chapels, and businesses.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes both the district as a whole and individual properties, including the Anchorage, the Barnwell-Gough House, Tabby Manse, and more. The district was recognized as an NHL in 1973, with two houses — the Marshlands and the Robert Smalls House — also recognized individually in 1973.

4. Burt-Stark Mansion — Abbeville, SC

The Burt-Stark Mansion goes by multiple other names, including the Armistead Burt House and “The Deathbed of the Confederacy.” This Greek Revival-style home was built in the 1830s and had seven owners before its donation to the Abbeville Historic Preservation Commission. Confederate President Jefferson Davis held his last council of the Civil War in the Burt-Stark Mansion in 1865, where he admitted the Confederacy had lost. After this meeting, the Confederacy dispersed.

The house was named a NHL in 1992 and continues to operate as a museum to the Old South. Period-accurate antiques, furniture, and artifacts fill the home, creating a time capsule for visitors to enjoy.

5. Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens — Murrells Inlet, SC

Home of America’s first and largest formal sculpture garden, Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens offer beautiful views for visitors. Atalaya, the expansive home on the property, features Spanish Revival architecture that echoes the styles found in coastal Spain . The house also includes the large studio space used by celebrated sculptor and philanthropist Anna Hyatt Huntington and where she produced much of her art.

Brookgreen Gardens encompasses more than 9,000 acres as a nature preserve, including 550 acres used as sculpture garden that showcases a wide breadth of Huntington’s sculptures alongside those of her contemporaries. The property’s designation as a NHL, which came in 1992, only includes the 550 acres of sculpture garden and the Atalaya buildings.

South Carolina contains many houses, buildings, and properties that contributed to the creation and formation of the United States. While we could only highlight a few here today, there are many more to explore, especially within Charleston. The beautiful historic homes, plantations, churches, and other areas help remind us of our history and commemorate our past in a way worth celebrating. Thankfully, projects like the National Historic Landmark program aim to preserve these places for all to learn from and enjoy.

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• Discover the 7 Oldest Cities in South Carolina
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150th Anniversary of Antietam.

America's Battlefields

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America’s battlefields and associated historic sites are living monuments — places of remembrance and reflection —and  visitation is on the rise . These places are windows into our history, the lessons of which help us shed light upon the way forward. Walk in the footsteps of those who forged our country. Honor our heroes. Explore our past. Envision our future.

Battlefields Everyone Should Visit

Visit: Gettysburg Battlefield, PA

Over the course of three long days in the summer of 1863, 165,000 men met at Gettysburg and fought one of the most dramatic battles in Americans history, engaging in a fierce struggle over what kind of country the United States should be. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who fought and died at such iconic places as Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Cemetery Ridge, and Culp’s Hill. While you’re there, make sure to pay your respects at the Soldiers National Cemetery and visit the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before he delivered his Gettysburg Address. The Civil War Trust is proud to have saved more than 900 acres of hallowed ground at numerous key sites at and around Gettysburg, including the site of Lee's  Headquarters on Seminary Ridge.

Visit: Vicksburg Battlefield, MS

Ulysses S. Grant is sometimes remembered as a blundering butcher. Those who study his audacious campaign against Vicksburg know better. Over the course of three months in the summer of 1863, Grant carried out one of the most brilliantly executed campaigns in the annals of military history, ultimately capturing the “Gibraltar of the South” and severing the Confederacy in two. Today, visitors to the Vicksburg National Military Park can walk the trenches and scenes of battle where Lincoln’s great general changed the course of the Civil War. Be sure to also visit the USS Cairo ironclad warship, recovered from a river bottom and on display. 

Visit: Fredericksburg Battlefield, VA

When President Abraham Lincoln learned of the Union defeat at Fredericksburg in December 1862, he responded, “If there is a place worse than hell, I’m in it.” Lincoln’s horror was understandable. At Fredericksburg Confederate General Robert E. Lee won one of his most decisive victories, inflicting massive casualties on the Union Army despite being heavily outnumbered. Almost a century and a half later, the Civil War Trust won a victory at Fredericksburg almost as decisive, successfully preserving more than 200 acres of hallowed ground at the Slaughter Pen Farm. Thanks to the efforts of the Trust, visitors can follow the Union’s attack on Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia from beginning to end.

Visit: Yorktown Battlefield, VA

On October 19, 1781 at Yorktown, Virginia, General George Washington shocked the world when he secured the surrender of British General Charles Lord Cornwallis . While the war that started at Lexington and Concord in 1775 would officially continue until the signing of the war-ending Treaty of Paris in 1783, the decisive victory of the Americans and their French allies at Yorktown ensured the success of the United States’ movement for independence. Today, visitors to Colonial National Park can see with their own eyes the site of Washington’s most decisive victory.

Visit: Lexington & Concord Battlefield, MA

Early on the morning of April 19, 1775 a shot rang out in Lexington, Massachusetts. While historians do not know who fired that shot, its significance cannot be over overstated. Not only did the shot fired at Lexington inaugurate a day of combat that would ultimately claim 122 lives, but it also ignited a war that forever changed the world, bringing into existence a nation dedicated to the proposition that all human beings are equal. Today, visitors to Minute Man National Historic Park can discover the story of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and walk in the footsteps of men who changed the world. 

Resources for Historic Sites and Tourism Entities

According to the National Park Service, more than 109 million people visited historic sites within the National Park System in 2018 – a powerful illustration of how significant heritage tourism can be for surrounding communities. The American Battlefield Trust strives to help promote the unique benefits of visiting historic sites and showcase how these exceptional resources can form pillars of local and regional tourism infrastructure.

In some cases, the Trust may be able to provide its historic and educational resources to battlefield parks, historic sites, museums and other relevant entities – such as regional tourism bodies – for use with appropriate copyright attribution and credit. This may include Trust-produced videos and Animated Maps, economic impact studies, battle maps, photographs and articles. Please inquire about your intended use and how the Trust can support your mission. Please let us know how the Trust can support your mission with its unique content. Email  Director of Communications, Mary Koik , to find out more

Featured Events & Sites to Visit

Traveling Exhibition at the McDuffie Museum

Minute Man National Historical Park

Traveling exhibition at the chennault aviation and military museum, traveling exhibition at the schmidt house, traveling exhibition at the old state house, revolutionary war cemetery, featured virtual tours.

Antietam Virtual Tour

Bentonville Virtual Tour

Gettysburg Virtual Tour

Tools for visiting battlefields.

• Mobile Apps »
• Saved Land »

Explore the Wars

Road to Freedom

Gettysburg AR Experience

Cold Harbor Virtual Tour

Make Some History This Weekend in Saratoga

South Mountain Virtual Tour

• 6 Serene Towns in South Carolina for a Weekend Retreat

South Carolina is located in the coastal Southeastern region of the United States and makes for an excellent destination for those seeking a memorable weekend retreat. Framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Savannah River to the southwest, “The Palmetto State” (so named for its beautiful official tree) also appeals for its Southern charm, its lush landscapes, as well as its rich and fascinating history.

Another big draw for visitors is the many quaint towns located up and down the state, each offering unique attractions and a slice of tranquillity that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the delightful historic districts of Pendleton and Abbeville to the plentiful outdoor adventures on offer in places like Travelers Rest and Edisto Beach, with stops at Walhalla and McClellanville along the way, these six serene towns in South Carolina are ideal for a weekend retreat.

Handily located just 30 miles southwest of Greenville , the small community of Pendleton often surprises visitors with the scale of its historic district. The entirety of this nearly four-square-mile town was laid out in 1790 with little to no changes since. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Town Pendleton is wonderful to explore on foot thanks to its many meticulously preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings.

Just outside Pendleton, the Ashtabula Historic House and Woodburn Historic House provide a deeper dive into the area's rich history and culture. Informative guided tours illuminate the lives of their former inhabitants, from the wealth and elegance of plantation owners to the tragic histories of the enslaved people forced to live and work there. The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina is another must-visit for its family-friendly hands-on exhibits about the state's farming history. Great places to stay here include the centrally located Inn at Magnolia Hill and the elegant Liberty Hall Bed and Breakfast.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest is a great weekend getaway for those wanting to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains . Just nine miles north of Greenville, fun things to do in Travellers Rest include hitting the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multi-use pathway that meanders along the scenic Reedy River connecting Travelers Rest to Greenville and which is ideal for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Sunrift Adventures is located on the trail network and offers outdoor gear and guidance, as well as bike and kayak rentals.

Wildcat Wayside Mountain is another popular destination for hikers, with trails leading to some of the region’s most stunning waterfalls. Cultural experiences worth exploring include Trailblazer Park, an outdoor venue featuring a cultural center and a farmer’s market. A trendy place to stay here is The Station by Compo Hotels, while quality big-brand accommodations are available at Hampton Inn Greenville/Travelers Rest.

Edisto Beach

Those wanting to spend a weekend exploring South Carolina ’s beautiful Atlantic Coast couldn’t do much better than visit Edisto Beach. Roughly halfway between Charleston and Hilton Head Island , Edisto Beach State Park is the main attraction here. This natural paradise offers a mix of beaches and shady maritime forests that are as enjoyable for adults as they are for families, with campsites, picnic areas, an environmental center, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Interested in learning more about local wildlife? Edisto Island Serpentarium is home to a variety of snakes, alligators, and other reptiles native to the region in a safe and educational setting. The Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is another nature attraction to visit and features over 4,600 acres of untouched beaches, maritime forest, and historic structures to explore. After all that fun in the sun, enjoy a stay at Wyndham Ocean Ridge Marsh Point or Wyndham Ocean Ridge resorts.

Walhalla is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the border with Georgia . Named after the Norse mythological hall of the slain, this historic town was founded by German settlers in 1849 and celebrates this heritage with one of the state’s best Oktoberfests . It’s also home to the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, an incomplete railroad tunnel from the 1850s that now serves as a fascinating piece of history… and a cool retreat during warmer months. Nearby Issaqueena Falls is another cool place to visit in Walhalla. Named after a Native American legend, it’s easily accessible and provides a serene spot for picnics and photos.

For history buffs, the Walhalla Graded School was built in 1901 and adds a touch of educational heritage to a visit and now functions as a community center. Come bedtime, check into great places to stay such as Rodeway Inn & Suites (in-town) and The Suites at Hisaw Gap (close to the Stumphouse Tunnel).

Known to historians as the "Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy" for its role during the Civil War , Abbeville provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Start your weekend adventure in Rainbow Row, a line of brightly colored buildings in Abbeville’s historic district, before heading to the pretty town square. The Abbeville Opera House is another historic landmark that was built in 1904 and is still a popular venue.

Another historic must-visit is the Burt-Stark Mansion, the site of the last meeting of the Confederate War Council. Mansion tours reveal well-preserved architecture and period furnishings that provide a vivid portrayal of life during this tumultuous period in American history. Venture just outside town and you’ll find the Long Cane Scenic Area, a perfect spot for a woodland hike. Here for the weekend? Check out the rates at the boutique-style Belmont Inn by OYO or, if on a tight budget, the no-frills Westbrook Motel.

McClellanville

Last but by no means least, let’s chat about McClellanville . Though small (its population is a tad over 600), this Southern fishing village north of Charleston is home to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge , an essential site for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring that lovely Atlantic Coast environment. The Refuge covers over 66,000 acres, a significant stretch of South Carolina's coast, and is an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Nature Adventures Outfitters provides naturalist-guided tours through the refuge, allowing visitors to kayak through marshes and spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Village Museum in McClellanville is another must-visit and tells the story of the village from the perspective of the SeWee Indians through the colonial period and into the rise of the seafood industry. And, of course, it’s a must to sample local Lowcountry seafood at restaurants like T W Graham & Co. When it comes to accommodations, visitors will need to base themselves in larger communities like Georgetown , just 20 minutes to the north, where hotels like Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina and or Quality Inn & Suites offer good rates and easy access.

The Final Word

For those wanting to get to know South Carolina - and to do so in a tranquil setting - these six serene towns have a lot going for them. From Pendleton's historic charm to Travelers Rest's outdoor adventures, the coastal allure of McClellanville and Edisto Beach, as well as Walhalla's German heritage and Abbeville's Civil War history, each town offers a unique getaway experience that’s bound to please the choosiest of travelers. Whatever your preferences, these six serene towns in South Carolina are ideal for a weekend retreat.

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