12 South Carolina Landmarks That Deserve More Hype
South Carolina hides some of its best stories in places most travellers miss. Beyond the postcard beaches and famous cities, these are the places where the real soul of the state comes alive.
Congaree National Park
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Congaree National Park is a remarkable natural area just a short drive from Columbia. While visiting, you can walk through tall, green forests and along peaceful waterways. The park has trails for exploring and observing the diverse plants and animals in this important natural habitat.
The Beaufort National Cemetery
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The Beaufort National Cemetery is a quiet and historically significant place. Within its grounds rest many American heroes, including those who received high military awards. The site connects visitors to important events and people in South Carolina.
Fort Sumter National Monument
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Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the 1861 national conflict were fired. Although its construction began earlier, the fort was not finished when the war started, a moment that changed American history. People can take a ferry to the fort, where a park ranger shares its story, and a museum preserves its important narrative.
Hunting Island State Park
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Hunting Island State Park is a 5,000-acre area with beautiful beaches, thick forests, and lively salt marshes full of wildlife. The lighthouse here was built in 1859 and was even moved inland in 1889 because of changes on the coast. This shows the ongoing relationship between nature and people in this area.
Cowpens National Battlefield
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The rolling hills of Cowpens National Battlefield, near Gaffney, were the site of a crucial battle in 1781 during the American Revolution. This well-kept area allows people to understand the strategies used in this important American victory. The Robert Scruggs House and the Washington Light Infantry Monument stand as significant reminders of this historical event.
Myrtle Beach State Park
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Myrtle Beach State Park is a valuable part of South Carolina’s coastline. This 312-acre park includes a natural beach and an old maritime forest.
Heyward-Washington House
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The Heyward-Washington House has a direct connection to the city’s early days. Built for Thomas Heyward Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence, it later housed George Washington during his visit in 1791.
USS Yorktown
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The USS Yorktown is an impressive reminder of American naval history. This aircraft carrier served in World War II and supported the space program before becoming a museum. There are exhibits about naval aviation and the Medal of Honor Museum, which recognizes extraordinary acts of courage by American heroes.
Beaufort Historic District
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Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District is a beautiful area with a variety of building styles, many using a unique coastal material called tabby. Walking through its charming streets, people can see grand old homes and the lovely Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This Lowcountry town clearly shows its rich cultural background and lasting historical importance.
Rainbow Row
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Along Charleston’s East Bay Street, Rainbow Row features thirteen Georgian row houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their well-known pastel colors, added during renovations in the 1930s, have made this one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Ravenel Bridge (Cooper River Bridge)
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The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an impressive piece of modern engineering that crosses the Cooper River between Charleston and Mount Pleasant. In addition to its transportation use, the bridge includes Wonders’ Way, a path for walkers and cyclists that offers wide, elevated views of the harbor and the surrounding coast.
Gibbes Museum of Art
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The Gibbes Museum of Art has been celebrating art since 1905. Its extensive collection of over 10,000 artworks focuses on American and Southern art. The museum invites visitors to experience Charleston’s long-standing art traditions and changing cultural scene through its permanent displays, special exhibitions, and educational programs.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens combines centuries of history with natural beauty. Open to the public since 1870, it features stunning displays of azaleas and camellias, a historic maze, and a cypress swamp.
Table Rock Mountain
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Table Rock Mountain, a distinctive peak in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, is the central feature of Table Rock State Park. It offers challenging trails that lead to amazing panoramic views. The park also has historic buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Raven Cliff Falls
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Raven Cliff Falls is one of South Carolina’s most impressive natural sights. Water falls 420 feet down rocky cliffs. The park’s many trails lead to scenic overlooks where people can admire the dramatic waterfall and expansive mountain views, all within a landscape that was once home to many ravens.