Travel Information for South Carolina
Posted By:
Travel Commune Staff
on 22 December, 2006
South Carolina is steeped in history, and those looking to go back to a time of debutantes, dashing Southern men, and plantation homes, should look no further than the state of South Carolina. The state has worked very hard to keep that time in their history alive, and have succeeded. You can visit museums lauding the past, see plantation homes that are hundreds of years old, and tour gardens that are breathtaking in their beauty.
The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is a testament to the stalwart tendencies of South Carolinians. The town was occupied by British troops for eleven months during the War for Independence, but the patriots in the town held true to their beliefs. Now you can tour some of the significant sites in the city that date back to that time. One of the most popular is the Kershaw-Cornwallis House which was used as a headquarters for British officers during the war. The Confederate Relic Room speaks of the tenacity of an entirely different group of South Carolina citizens. Here you can see artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War. Flags, uniforms, and weaponry are just a few things that you can find at this museum. Those looking into their family history are welcome to search archives to help solve the mysteries of their genealogy. The Berkeley Museum goes back 12,000 years into the region's history. There are exhibits on some of the most interesting pieces of South Carolina's history including: Francis Marion, the 'Swamp Fox', the first Americans, and the state's involvement in the Civil War.
Another beautiful part of South Carolina is the concentration of plantation homes in the state. Magnolia Plantation was founded in 1676 and is home to the oldest garden in the state visitors can tour this garden and the plantation home. The home was built prior to the Revolutionary War and floated down the river to its current location. Early American antiques provide furnishings, giving the room a decidedly old-fashioned feel. The Boone Hall Plantation is still a major factor in crop production in the state. The home was built in the mid 1700s and is still standing. There are several other outbuildings and gardens on the grounds. Drayton Hall was built in 1742 and is still in its original condition due to great care. It is still owned by the Drayton family and is available for tours. There is also a museum on the grounds.
The climate in South Carolina makes it a perfect place to grow amazingly beautiful flowers. Perhaps that is why there are so many gardens available for public viewing in the state. The Audubon Swamp Garden is found at the previously mentioned Magnolia Hall. The natural gardens in the swamp area are full of colorful native flowers and a variety of wildlife. Brookgreen Gardens aren't your traditional gardens, but they are no less impressive. They were founded in 1931 and consist of over 900 different sculptures, several different horticulture gardens, and even a zoo! The Kalmia Gardens is full of walking trails that take you past swamps, thickets, and small forests. This range of habitats leads a wide variety of plant and animal life available for viewing.
The history and beauty fo South Carolina are prominent features that show in every attraction in the state. Exploring this amazing state is a multi-layered process that includes looking into its past and predicting the future. By holding on to its history, South Carolina is enabling generation after generation the ability to learn and see another era.
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