Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is a 664-acre park in Charleston County. The site is the location of the first permanent English settlement in what is now South Carolina in 1670. The park was founded in 1970 to celebrate South Carolina's tricentennial. Today, the park features several miles of trails, beautiful English gardens, the restored Legare-Waring House, numerous historical points, the Adventure Ship and the Animal Forest, the only zoo in Charleston.
Contact Information:
1500 Old Towne Road
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 852-4200
Email: charlestowne@scprt.com
Directions:
From Charleston, head south on US-17. Immediately after crossing Ashley River, take the SC-61 exit and go north on SC-61. Drive about 1.7 miles and bear right on Old Towne Road. In 0.9 miles, turn right on Old Town Plantation Road to enter the park.
Map:
Points of Interest:
Animal Forest:
The Animal Forest is a small zoo with animals that inhabited the Charleston area at the time of first English settlement.
Cassique Statue:
Cassique was chief of the Kiawah tribe and helped the English settlers at Charles Towne Landing in exchange for their assistance against hostile tribes.
Palisade Wall:
The palisade wall was constructed as a defense against hostilities.
Stocks and Pillory:
Stocks and pillory were used as a form of punishment for trouble-makers.
Common House:
The common house was built for indentured servants and slaves that worked the land in the new colonies.
Cannon Platforms:
Cannons on earthen walls supplemented the palisade walls to defend the settlement.
Albemarle Point:
The first settlement was built at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River.
Adventure Ship:
The Adventure ship is a replica 17th century cargo vessel that visitors can board and learn about maritime trade from the era.
Avenue of Oaks:
The Avenue of Oaks was planted by Mrs. Waring in the 1940s.
Legare-Waring House:
The Legare-Waring House was restored by Mrs. Waring in the 1940s.
Blog Entries:
27-Dec-2019: Charles Towne Landing
External Links:
SC State Parks website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing
Friends of Charles Towne Landing website: http://friendsofcharlestownelanding.org/