Historical Sites on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island’s history is rich and marked by Civil War Battles, the first ever self-governed community of former slaves, wealthy plantation homes, and the introduction of the golf tournament that made the Island well-known. If you are a history buff, there are plenty of historical sites that you can visit while on Hilton Head Island. Your vacation need not be all sandy beaches, golf courses, and tennis. Here’ s quick round up and a little bit about some of the historical highlights on Hilton Head Island.
Fort Walker
Fort Walker dates back to the American Civil War. It was built by the Confederate States Army in 1861 to defend the strategically important Port Royal Sound in South Carolina. The fort was named after General Gustavus W. Smith, who was also known as "Big Walker." During the Battle of Port Royal in November 1861, Union forces captured Fort Walker along with Fort Beauregard on nearby Bay Point. The fall of these forts allowed the Union to establish a stronghold in the area, which played a significant role in controlling the southeastern coast of the United States during the Civil War. Today, Fort Walker is part of the Fort Walker Historic Park on Hilton Head Island. Visitors can explore the remains of the fort and learn about its history through interpretive signs and displays. The site offers a glimpse into the military strategies and conflicts that took place during the Civil War in this region.
The Zion Chapel of Ease
The Zion Chapel of Ease on Hilton Head Island is another historic site with ties to the American Civil War. A chapel of ease is a church building that is located within easy traveling distance of a larger parish church, providing worship services for those who could not easily reach the main church. Zion Chapel of Ease was built in the mid-19th century on Hilton Head Island to serve the plantation owners and residents of the surrounding area. During the Civil War, the chapel was used as a hospital by Union forces after they captured the island in 1861. Today, the ruins of Zion Chapel of Ease still stand as a historic site on Hilton Head Island. Visitors can explore the remains of the chapel and learn about its history and significance during the Civil War era. The site offers a glimpse into the island's past and the impact of the war on the local community.
Baynard Ruins
The Baynard Ruins on Hilton Head Island are the remnants of a historic antebellum plantation house that dates back to the early 19th century. The ruins are named after William Eddings Baynard, who built the grand mansion in the 1790s. The Baynard Plantation house was an impressive two-story mansion with sweeping views of the surrounding land. It was a prominent landmark on Hilton Head Island before it was destroyed during the Civil War. In 1863, Union forces occupied the island and burned the plantation house, leaving behind the haunting ruins that still stand today. The Baynard Ruins are now part of the Hilton Head Plantation residential community, and they serve as a popular historical site for visitors to explore. The ruins offer a glimpse into the island's past and the impact of the Civil War on the local plantations. Visitors can walk among the ruins, learn about the history of the site, and appreciate the beauty and significance of this historic landmark on Hilton Head Island.
Fort Mitchel
Fort Mitchel on Hilton Head Island is a historic site that dates back to the Civil War era. It was constructed in 1861 by Union forces during the early stages of the Civil War. The fort was strategically located on a bluff overlooking Skull Creek and the Port Royal Sound, providing a vantage point for monitoring ship traffic and defending against potential Confederate attacks. Fort Mitchel played a significant role in the Union's control of the South Carolina coast during the Civil War. It served as a base for Union troops and artillery, helping to protect nearby Union-held areas and support the blockade of Southern ports. Today, Fort Mitchel is part of a historic park on Hilton Head Island that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the remains of the fort, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The site includes interpretive signs, walking trails, and scenic overlooks that provide insight into the military history of the region and the role of Fort Mitchel during the Civil War.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a historic site located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It commemorates the legacy of Mitchelville, which was the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. During the Civil War, as Union troops occupied Hilton Head Island in 1861, the United States government implemented the Port Royal Experiment, a program to provide freedom and education to formerly enslaved people. In 1862, Mitchelville was established as a settlement where freed African Americans could live, work, and govern themselves. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park preserves the history of this pioneering community and its residents. The park features educational exhibits, walking tours, and programs that highlight the experiences and achievements of the people of Mitchelville.