Destination:
South Carolina

Fort Sumter

Situated on a small man-made island in the bay guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbour, Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the most important historic military sites in the country where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. With the secession of South Carolina, the Confederates demanded the surrender of the fort, and after 34 hours of continuous bombardment the Union forces had no choice but to relinquish their hold. The Union troops became the first prisoners of the Civil War. The Confederates occupied Fort Sumter, which became a symbol of Southern resistance until it was retaken by Union forces in 1865 after nearly four years of almost continual attack, which reduced most of the fort to rubble. Park rangers conduct free tours around the restored structure, which includes a museum with historical displays.

Plantations

Along the Ashley River are a series of magnificent plantations that can be visited, as well as north along the highway towards Georgetown, where the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation are the main attraction. A majestic oak avenue leads to the estate that has been the model for several films including Gone With the Windand North and South.The original slave quarters and cotton gin house can be visited along with the classic mansion. Closest to Charleston along the Ashley River is Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved plantation house in America, dating from 1742. The Georgian mansion is a National Historic Landmark and the only plantation house on the river to have survived the Civil War intact. Middleton Place was largely destroyed during the Civil War, but the south wing has been restored and houses an impressive collection of silver, historic documents, furniture and paintings. The ornamental lakes are surrounded by the nation's oldest landscaped gardens dating from 1741 and are home to roaming peacocks and other farm animals. The stunning decorative gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens can be viewed by tram tours that cover the grounds.

South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in over 60 exhibits, which represent the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. The Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbour like no other found in the historic downtown area. Daily interactive exhibits and programs are offered for visitors of all ages. Every visit to the Aquarium reveals something new - glimpses of new animals in exhibits, budding plants, baby animals and more. Not only that, the institution provides a variety of opportunities to learn about conservation, animal life, endangered species and environmental issues.

Charleston Museum

America's first museum, the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. Encompassing three historic buildings, the museum aims to preserve the unique culture and natural history of Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry. Exhibitions include cultural, historic and natural history artefacts and alongside are two National Historic Landmark houses, the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House, which depict the graceful architecture and wealthy lifestyle of southern life in days gone by.

Sea Islands

The Sea Islands make up more than half of the South Carolina coastline, separated from the mainland by estuaries and marshes. These islands are home to black communities descended from slaves, who were brought to the Carolina's during the 18th century. When they were freed by the Union army in 1865, the slaves were granted land here. They are known as Gullah people, having maintained their dialect of an English-based tongue heavily influenced by several different African languages, and much of their culture has also been preserved. During the colonial period, at the height of the rice culture, slaves from West African rice kingdoms were in high demand among the plantation owners, teaching their masters how to plant, grow and cook rice, and those with basket-weaving skills were highly prized. Today traces of their heritage survives in the handmade sweet-grass baskets, the food and in the songs performed by groups like the Sea Island Singers who sing plantation melodies at concerts in Charleston and Beaufort. St Helena is the least spoiled of the islands with beautiful landscapes and is home to small shrimp and oyster fishing communities. The Penn Center is the unofficial Gullah headquarters, preserving their unique culture and creating opportunities for the previously disadvantaged Gullahs. There is also a school started for freed slaves by a black Massachusetts teacher, and a museum displaying pictures and an assortment of old farming and fishing tools.

Angel Oak

Angel Oak (or Scarlet's Tree) is thought to be the oldest existing entity, either living or man-made, east of the Rocky Mountains. This extraordinary live oak is over 1,400 years old and, while not very tall, it does boast a vast canopy, in excess of 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2). Angel Oak has survived countless hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, including severe damage from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The tree's forest home may have been one of the islands' many lumber sources for ship-building back in the 18th century.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Charleston County Park

Set in the Caw Caw Swamp, the Caw Caw Interpretive Center is home to vast natural, cultural and historical displays. Dating back to the 18th century, this formerly slave-worked rice paddy exhibits earthen dikes, rice trunks and canals. Many species of plants and animals can be seen in the wildlife sanctuary, from beech-holly forests to bald eagles and otters. Self-guided canoeing is also possible (fee is $10 per canoe).

The Hunley

The Hunley submarine first arrived in Charleston by train in 1863 and is now on display in a conservation tank at Charleston's Old Naval Base. Here, visitors can see facial reconstructions of the Hunley crew, artefacts excavated from the submarine and the legendary gold coin that supposedly saved the captain's life. There is also a life size model of the vessel from The Hunleymovie and a National Geographic documentary for visitors to enjoy.

Provost Dungeon and Old Exchange Building

The British used Provost Dungeon to hold prisoners during the American Revolution, and in 1774 the Old Exchange Building hosted the delegate elections for the First Continental Congress. This site was firmly constructed and has (in part) withstood war, earthquakes and even hurricanes. Part of the Half-Moon Bastion was excavated here and is the only visible section of the old Charles Town fort.