By VisitBeaufort. The staff at Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands strive to help you plan your trip to the Lowcountry + surrounding areas.
When you think of the Fourth of July, you might think of grilling out by the pool, maybe a lake day if you’re lucky or even just a relaxing day on the couch watching Netflix. While there’s a ton of awesome celebrations happening right here in Cola (hey, Lake Murray fireworks) there’s also plenty of patriotic destinations a quick road trip away, too. What better way to celebrate the birth of our nation than during these warm summer days and nights?
Make the most of this ~very~ warm weather and do something different this year — maybe to one of these underrated Lowcountry destinations that will make you feel proud to be an American — less than 3 hours from Cola.
Beaufort, S.C.
With Beaufort’s roots dating to as early as 4000 BC, some debate America was truly born here — with first attempts of European colonization of the new world by the Spanish and French in 1514. A Beaufort, S.C. representative, Thomas Hayward, Jr., even signed the Declaration of Independence.
Home to the Reconstruction Era National Monument thanks to a 2017 proclamation by former president Obama, this part of Beaufort’s living history highlights the town’s deep ties to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Pay a visit to the St. Elena history center where you can learn the untold story of America or visit the Old Sheldon Church Ruins a historical hidden gem where the Patriots are believed to have stored gun powder during the Revolution. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the national historic landmark district’s Spanish moss-lined streets and learn about the historic antebellum homes and 18th century refurbished bed & breakfasts.
Fort Sumter and Patriot’s Point in Charleston
The Lowcountry played a critical role in both the Civil War, serving as a much-needed Union-occupied territory in the middle of Confederate country and the Reconstruction Era that followed. These historical monuments bring light to a piece of American history that has until this proclamation, gone somewhat unnoticed.
Fort Sumter on Sullivan’s Island, most famously known for being the site of the first shots of the Civil War in 1861, was first built in the wake of the 1812 war to improve the United States’ lack of strong coastal defenses. Built to accommodate 650 soldiers and 135 artillery pieces, today the historical landmark offers narrated boat tours that takes you through a scenic route and back to another time.
Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant at the base of the famous Ravenel Bridge, is home of the USS Yorktown, a World War II carrier. It’s also home to the Patriots Point Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S., the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum. Striving to preserve the living history of our nation’s bravest men and women, Patriot’s Point offers one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation.
St. Helena Island
Visit this small sea island, 15 minutes south of Beaufort, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drafted his “I have a dream” speech in a small rural cottage; and where Penn Center, one of the nation’s first schools for African Americans seeking to integrate into free society as part of the Reconstruction era stands today. St. Helena Island offers a glimpse into rural Lowcountry life past and present. After taking in most of where the Reconstruction National Monuments are, declared by former President Obama in 2017, head to the Camelot Farms Equestrian Center where you can ride horses under the oaks dubbed by locals the “Avenue of Oaks.”
Parris Island
Home to the world’s most-visited military facilities—Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Parris Island Museum—Parris Island is a 10,000 square foot space dedicated to honoring the history and tradition of the Marine Corps as well as highlight the region’s history, from its American Indian roots to its discovery by Europeans 450 years ago and more. While you’re there, keep your ears peeled for the daily Marine squadrons that create the “sound of freedom.”
Whether you decide to stay in or be a history buff for a day (or more), we wish you a happy Fourth of July.
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