Charles Towne Landing

Experience living history at Charles Towne Landing, often referred to as the birthplace of the Carolinas. The historic village at this South Carolina state park marks the actual area where South Carolina’s first permanent English settlers, an estimated 148 men, women and children, landed in 1670. Designed to recreate the daily life of these pioneers, visitors can explore the original area that was settled from 1670-1680. This Charleston attraction and state historic site features a 17th century replica cargo vessel, 80 acres of picturesque English gardens and a natural habitat zoo.

History Recreated

The park rangers at Charles Towne Landing get into the spirit of the 17th century as they tend to the crop gardens dressed in period clothing, with the sound of booming cannons in the background. South Carolina’s first permanent settlement features an interactive visitor’s center where kids can participate in a digital archaeological dig, as well as creative exhibits explaining the history of the development of the first Lowcountry colony.

The original 1670 settlement grounds feature a replicated palisade wall which was once used to protect the colonists from enemy attack on the land side, and reconstructed earthen fortifications which provided protection on the water side. Kids can get hands-on with the steering rudder of The Adventure, a reproduction of a 17th century sailing ship, and even work the boat’s bilge pump. A dirt-floored common house and the experimental crop garden further recreate what life was like on the settlement over 300 years ago.

Explore the Trails

Located off the Ashley River, this tranquil park features seven miles of interpretive trails and 80 beautiful acres of gardens reminiscent of English parks. Visitors can bring along a picnic, stroll along the marsh and take in the stunning array of magnolias, azaleas and ancient low-hanging live oaks. Walk the history trail with an MP3 audio tour guide which provides a detailed and compelling historical overview. Another point of interest on the grounds of Charles Towne Landing is the African-American cemetery, which dates back to the late nineteenth century.

An Animal Forest

Elk, bison, pumas and a Great Blue Heron... the Charles Towne Landing state historic site encompasses a 22 acre natural habitat zoo with species of mammals and birds that would have lived in the area during the 1670s. The walking path along the salt marsh leads through lush vegetation where visitors can catch scenic views of the Charleston peninsula as they get up close and personal with otters, bears, cougars and bobcats. The park strives to create as natural a habitat as possible for the animals with mixed-species exhibits, where many of the animals live and interact with each other as they would in the wild.

Archaeological Digs

There is a lot of digging up the past taking place at Charles Towne Landing. Archaeology plays a huge part in the continual development of this historic site. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal the daily lives of those who made this area of South Carolina home over thousands of years, including the Native Americans and African slaves. The park offers weekly archaeology programs and visitors to the park can check out the excavations that are underway.

The Legare-Waring House

The post-colonial Legare-Waring plantation house and the scenic Old Town Gardens that surround it are part of the Charles Towne Landing site. Originally built in the 1840s as part of the Old Town Plantation, the home was originally a simple two-story cottage. It survived the Civil War and was extensively renovated in the 1950s by the last of the Waring family to own the plantation. The elegant building is now a Charleston residence for officials and visiting dignitaries, and the house and its magnificently landscaped gardens are a popular venue for Charleston weddings and special events.

Visiting Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing is located at S.C. Highway 171 (Old Towne Road) in West Ashley, approximately a 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston.

The park is open daily from 9a.m to 5p.m. and is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.25 for S.C seniors, $3 for youth ages 6-15 and free for children five and younger.

For more information call (843) 852-4200 or e-mail at charlestowne@scprt.com

Click here to visit Charles Towne Landing website