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From 1697 until the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the trading town of Dorchester flourished along the Ashley River, inland from colonial Charleston. Today, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site’s remarkably preserved archaeological remains give visitors a peek into the early history of colonial South Carolina.
Abandoned at the start of the Revolutionary War, the town of Dorchester has all but disappeared, leaving only a handful of original structures remaining. Visitors can stand below the towering remains of the brick bell tower of St. George’s Anglican Church, catch a glimpse of a log wharf during low tide or view the fort made of an oyster-shell concrete called tabby.
Today, visitors to Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site can watch as archaeologists unearth the settlement’s history. Together with abundant historical records from colonial Charleston, the site is helping to paint a clearer picture of life in colonial South Carolina and the rest of the American South.
Middleton Place
A National Historic Landmark, home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America and an enduring, vibrant, and essential part of the Charleston and American experience, Middleton Place is owned and operated by the Middleton Place Foundation. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational trust established in 1974, uses historic preservation, documented research, and interpretation as a force for education, understanding, and positive change.
The historic preservation work and interpretation of history at Middleton Place focuses on major contributions of the Middleton family as well as the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and worked there. The stories are a microcosm of United States history. From the early Colonial period through the American Revolution, the early Republic, the Civil War era and beyond, they made a mark on the land, the colony, state and nation.
Koger - Murray - Carroll House
This house is an example of early Federal-era architecture and was built about 1800 for Joseph Koger, Jr., who was a planter, state representative, Colleton District sheriff, and state senator.
The Koger House was donated to the Upper Dorchester County Historical Society in 2004, and restoration efforts were completed in 2009.
Cummings Chapel
This beautiful place of worship is located about 4 miles southwest of Ridgeville with a graveyard onsite.
In 1875, John Cummings donated two acres of land to establish the church. Before the chapel was built, early members worshipped in the shade the trees provided.
Peaceful and photogenic, Cummings Chapel is a must-visit for any photographer!
Find it at Cummings Chapel Road, just off Ridge Road.
Cypress Methodist Campground
Cypress Methodist Campground is one of the few remaining historic camps left which still hosts week-long camp meetings every year. Located off Myers Mayo Road near Ridgeville in Dorchester County, Cypress Campground was hosting these outdoor religious revivals as early as 1794.
The campground is shaped like a rectangle of cabins, known as "tents," made of rough-cut lumber, surrounding an open-air tabernacle.
Tents are often family-owned, passed down through generations, and are meant for attendees to experience a collective, shared sense of community.
Cypress Methodist Campground is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Dorchester Cemetery
This local historic landmark was established in 1876 by trustees of the local Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) congregation. It can be found on Infinity Drive just off of Sandhill Road in Dorchester, SC.
The original 25 acres was said to be an early gathering place for Methodist worshippers until the establishment of the Morris Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. It was subsequently used as a communal cemetery for the local African American population, and hosts graves for several nearby church members.
It remains an active burial ground to this day in addition to being an important local landmark. Visitors are welcome to come and pay their respects.
Summerville Dorchester Museum and Research Center
In 1991, a group of residents began meeting to establish a history museum for the area. In 1992, the museum and research center opened its doors to the public. Located in downtown Summerville, visitors and history lovers are in for a treat! Many stories are told within these museum walls. Local historians and researchers will also enjoy the authentic manuscripts upstairs in the research center.
Operating hours vary according to season. Call or visit their website for current hours.
Located on the first floor in what is now referred to as the "old" courthouse at 101 Ridge Street in St. George, the Dorchester Heritage Center (DHC) is truly a gem in the County.
The DHC was founded in 2014, and close to a half-million records can be found in the archives, with around 40,000 documents digitized to make searches less cumbersome.
Immerse yourself in the incredible history of Dorchester County as you walk from room to room. You will be amazed at the amount of knowledge and resources tucked away in this local hidden gem.
It all started in 1897 with a book club.
Nineteen women passionate about learning started sharing books and other reading materials. As the group grew, so did their collection of books, creating the need for a proper building to gather and read. While the women started raising money to build the library, the Town of Summerville donated the land.
In 1915, the Timrod Library opened its doors as a membership library. Today, the building is a bit larger, but as visitors tour the library, they can still sense the history and inspiration of nineteen brave women who sowed the seeds of the Timrod Library.
Sue Sanders Historic Homes and Flowers Walking Tour
Want to take your time exploring Summerville's hidden historic gems? Consider taking the Sue Sanders Historic Homes and Flowers Walking Tour. This self-guided tour highlights both the local history and beauty of 20 Historic Homes.
Participants begin at the Cuthbert Community Center in Azalea Park on West 5th South Street. The tour normally takes around an hour to complete, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the neighborhood along the way.
For more information or to download your map, visit their website.