Oconee Station State Historic Site
Between 1792 and 1809, Oconee Station State Historic Site served as a point of contact and interaction between two cultures: European-American and Cherokee. During this period the relationship between the cultures shifted from one of conflict to one of cultural and economic exchange. The remains of the fortifications and trading post at Oconee Station interpret this evolving relationship. The Richards House at Oconee Station is one of the earliest brick houses in the upstate and a tangible reminder of William Richard’s trading post and the cultural exchange between westward-moving Europeans and native Cherokees.
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site tells the story of a Low Country rice plantation and its families. The mansion, built in the mid-18th century, is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Since it is an unfurnished architectural study house you can see unusual “behind the scenes” views that reveal how the house was constructed. From the exposed, massive hand hewn timber frame to delicate mantelpiece carvings, Hampton documents the craftsmanship of South Carolina’s colonial period. Park interpreters are available to guide you through the house and make connections between its architecture and the lives of its former residents.
View from the historic kitchen at Rose Hill
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site offers insight into the upcountry cotton plantation of
South Carolina’s “Secession Governor,” William Henry Gist. Rose Hill served as Gist’s primary residence during his tenure as governor and during the tumultuous months of pending Civil War. The house, its furnishings, surrounding gardens and outbuildings document the lifestyle and changes experienced by the Gist family and African Americans who occupied the plantation from the antebellum-era through Reconstruction.
Hammond's mansion at Redcliffe
Completed in 1859, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site’s Greek-Revival mansion was the home of James Henry Hammond and three generations of his descendants. Four generations of Hammond family descendants lives are reflected in the family artifacts and objects of the house museum which range from souvenirs collected in Europe in the 1850s to a child’s toys from the 1920s. The house also contains a library with more than 500 books ranging in date from the 18th century to bound first editions of Life Magazine.
A National Historic Landmark, the Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park is the former winter home and studio of noted American sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Visitor guides describe castle features and explain the purpose of the unusual architecture of the winter home including the large studio where the sculptor used wild animals as models.
At Charles Towne Landing you soon will be able to see a newly constructed “historic home.” This replica 17th-century dwelling will be a living history exhibit that focuses on the struggles and contributions of indentured servants in early Charles Towne. Indentured servants were men and women who entered into servitude voluntarily to pay for transportation to the colony. Along with African slaves, servants provided much of the back-breaking labor that ensured the survival of the new colony.
Make plans to enjoy a tour of South Carolina’s Historic Homes and relive the legends of South Carolina history.
One of the best ways to get to know someone is by visiting their home. Similarly, you can get intriguing glimpses of South Carolina’s history by exploring the historic houses managed by the South Carolina State Park Service. Several of the homes are historic house museums featuring displays of house contents and family artifacts that help tell the stories of people and events from state’s past. You can experience these homes through ranger-guided tours or on your own.