Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

PARK PROGRAMS

  • Hampton Plantation Mansion Tours

    Several prominent families of Colonial and Antebellum South Carolina lived at Hampton Plantation, including Rutledges, Horrys and Pinckneys. Today, the mansion stands as a testament to the wealth and power of these families as well as the craftsmanship of the builders. Tours include a study of the architecture and evolution of the house, as seen in the open walls and unfurnished rooms, as well as personal insight into the people that called Hampton home.
    Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

  • Charles Towne Experiences

    In 1670, the first English settlers arrived in Carolina. What was it like during the first ten years of the fledgling colony? What challenges, hardships, failures and successes did they experience? Who were the key figures and what were their roles? And did they accomplish what they set out to do? Through a variety of program offerings, including costumed demonstrations, hands-on activities, ranger walks, PowerPoint presentations and more, park rangers will delve into the many fascinating aspects of the foundational years of Charles Towne. Program topics and activities will vary and may change due to weather.
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Process of Discovery

    Watch a 17th/18th century town emerge from the past as archaeologists uncover one of the richest sites in South Carolina. Visitors can observe archaeologists as they sift through the remains of a town that included houses, markets, a school, a church, a boat yard and more. One of the most complete archaeological records of colonial America, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is a time capsule waiting for you!
    Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

  • Fears that Fortified Charles Towne - Cannon Demonstration

    During the early years of the settlement, the Charles Towne colonists faced several threats, especially from their primary enemy and colonial rival, the Spanish. The Spanish fleet at St. Augustine, Florida was within three days travel of the fledgling English colony. Charles Towne, "here settled in the very chaps of the Spaniard," was a direct challenge to the claim of this disputed land. Following a review of Charles Towne's fortifications and defenses, the program will culminate with the Charles Towne Militia living history team's demonstration of 17th century artillery.
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Sew Your Own Sweetgrass Basket

    Sweetgrass basket sewing was an important tradition among African-Americans on Lowcountry plantations. Sweetgrass fanner baskets were used during harvest season to separate rice from chaff. Today, the art of sweetgrass basket sewing still thrives along the coast. Renowned sweetgrass basket artist Barbara McCormick of McClellanville will lead you through the process of this Lowcountry tradition.
    Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

  • Native American Crafts for Kids

    Broken bowls, bone tools and glass beads… These are types of Native American artifacts that archaeologists routinely find at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Such artifacts are tangible links to the Native cultures who once occupied this area. When the English arrived in 1670, they brought manufactured trade goods, such as glass beads and hatchets, that signaled a change in the traditional lifeways of local Native American groups, like the Kiawah. Come participate in a Native American crafts programs where you can make your own clay pot or trade bead necklace. Pre-registration is advised as space is limited.
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Enrichment Day at the Animal Forest

    Environmental enrichment is the process of providing stimulating environments for zoo animals. This includes new smells, tastes, objects and activities for the animals to discover in their own way. These things frequently bring out "playful behavior" in our animals. Enrichment Day at the Animal Forest is a fun day of experiencing how our zoo keepers enrich the animals in our care. You can take some of these ideas home to use with your own pets! We'll have animal demonstrations, games and other activities - enrichment for you and your family!
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Coloring the Colony: Indigo Dyeing Program

    The indigo has been grown, the dye has been fermented, and it’s your turn to color the colony indigo-blue. Join us to learn about the history of the plant and dye in South Carolina, then participate in dyeing your own cloth. T-shirts and bandanas for dyeing can be purchased in the gift shop, or you can bring your own from home. Gloves are provided, but you might want to wear clothes you don't mind getting stained with indigo dye.
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Fears That Fortifed Charles Towne-- Musket Demonstration

    During the early years of the settlement, the Charles Towne colonists faced several threats, especially from their primary enemy and colonial rival, the Spanish. The Spanish fleet at St. Augustine, Florida was within three days travel of the fledgling English colony. Charles Towne,
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Staking a Claim: Exploration and Discovery in the New World

    Before the colonists settled Carolina, several adventurers had explored the coast in search of a suitable settlement site. On these voyages the explorers sent back glowing accounts of the beauty and bounty of what would become Carolina. Join us for our June Festival “Staking a Claim: Exploration and Discovery in the New World” and walk in the footsteps of the first South Carolinians. Embrace your adventurous spirit as you learn the skills of nautical navigation and embark on an orienteering course. Learn how land disputes between European countries posed a threat to colonists and how individual land disputes made the surveyor’s occupation a high pressure job. Leave your world behind and explore the past at Charles Towne Landing.
    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

  • Canoe/Kayak Tour of the Hampton Waterways

    In plantation times, Lowcountry waterways served as a network of transportation for settlers and slaves. These rivers and creeks played a vital role in the success of rice cultivation. A guided tour of the Santee River and Wambaw Creek is an adventurous way to explore the history of the rice culture. Hampton Plantation State Historic Site's interpretive ranger will be accompanied by an experienced naturalist to provide a complete natural and cultural history of the Hampton waterways. Wear clothes that can get wet and muddy. Bring a change of clothes, insect repellant, a snack, and water. An adult must accompany participants age 17 and younger. For more information or to make reservations, call Nature Adventure Outfitters at 800-673-0679 or 843-928-3316.
    Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

Contact Information

1500 Old Towne RD
Charleston,SC 29407
Phone: (843) 852-4200
Fax: (843) 852-4205
Charleston CountyCharleston