CHARLES TOWNE LANDING—THE FIRST PERMANENT EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT IN THE CAROLINAS

Charles Towne Landing was the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. On this very spot—now preserved as a State Historic Site—the first British settlers and their servants stepped off their boat in 1670, to begin life in America. They chose this site because the creek provided access for their 17th century trading ketch, but denied access by large ships—especially those potentially armed with hostile Spanish cannons.

More than 35 years after the site’s opening as a park in 1970, the 664-acre park in urban Charleston has been re-born, revitalized and made into what it is—a Historic Park that should be maintained and remembered for what it represents—the site where Charleston began. The new focus of the park is its history, its archeology, the park’s pristine natural surroundings and the museum.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Charles Towne Landing is a treasure trove of undiscovered archeology, with professional archaeological digs and historical research constantly continuing.

The best place to start is in the new modern Visitors Center where a state of the art interactive archaeological exhibit is a fascinating attention grabber—especially with the children. Here visitors will also see exhibits of items typically brought to the New World—barrels filled with clothing, muskets, swords, musket shot, axes, food, building materials and cooking utensils. The exhibits also orient visitors to the history of those who settled Charles Towne, why they came and where they came from to establish this first permanent European settlement.

Through the exhibits you will meet English, African, Barbadian and Native American residents of this 17th century settlement, all of whom whelped shape this unique place. Each made its own distinctive contribution to Charles Towne and the future of South Carolina.

Inside the park everything is still historically accurate. Six cannon mounds have been built, and an Iron Saker Cannon on a mahogany carriage, that is able to fire a 6-pound ball, will be placed on each mound.

The park provides seven miles of paved and unpaved trails. Walk or bike along the marsh or through the 80 acres of English park-style gardens, featuring thousands of azaleas, camellias and live oaks, some several hundred years old.

Visitors may also stroll through the original settlement area of 1670-1680 complete with reconstructed fortifications, protective palisade and a crop garden. An audio self-guided tour map shows the trail and there are wayside signs explaining what is presented in front of the visitor. Beginning in November an audio tour will be offered for a $5 rental fee.

Visitors may observe archaeologists in designated areas as they uncover the hidden history of the site. Artifacts and evidence of structures have been found belonging to cultures that have occupied the site, from Native Americans to English settlers to slaves and plantation owners of the pre-Civil War period. Because Charles Towne Landing was privately owned until 1969, and never developed, it is archeologically rich. Elsie Eubanks, the park’s chief archaeologist stated “some of the interesting artifacts found have been trade beads the colonists brought with them for the Native Americans.”

The spot where there was a Native American temple has been reclaimed, and the area is now staked out and interpreted for its historical value.

The children will enjoy going in the 22-acre Animal Forest, which is home to animals the original settlers would have encountered, including pumas, bison, alligators, black bears, bobcats, elk, wolves, Brown Pelican, egrets, herons, and wild turkeys.

A full size, functional replica of the 17th century ketch, similar to the one which brought the first settlers to Charles Towne Landing, is being built at a dry dock just off Old Towne Creek in the park. Scheduled to be completed next year, this ship will replace the original “Adventure” which was destroyed two years ago because of her age. When finished the new “Adventure” will help visitors understand shipping’s key role in the development of Charleston and the economic and physical expansion of the British colonies on the mainland.

Take a tour of the Legare/Waring House, originally the oversees’ home, which was expanded into a large private home and served as Charleston’s residence of South Carolina’s governors. This beautiful mansion, which gives insight to Charles Towne Landing’s plantation era, is now used for weddings, receptions and other gatherings.

Park Manager Rob Powell said, “The only places in the country that compare to Charles Towne Landing are Plymouth, MA; Jamestown, VA.; St. Mary’s City, MD; and St. Augustine, FL.”

If you’re going:
1500 Old Towne RD, Charleston, SC 29407; Phone: (843) 852- 4200; charles_towne_landing_sp@scprt.com Hours 9-5; summer 9-6 after Memorial Day to Labor Day; open daily except Christmas. Admission $5--SC seniors $3.25; students 6-15 $3.
For “Charles Towne Experiences” programs call 843-852-4200 for schedules; pets are not allowed in the park; strollers and wheelchairs are available free of charge.

From Mooresville It’s 235 miles, about a 4-hour drive. Take I-77 South through Columbia to I-26 East to Charleston. At exit 216A take SC 7 (Cosgrove Ave / US 17 South) to Sam Rittenberg Blvd.; go left onto SC 171 and then bear right onto Old Towne Rd. and turn left into the park.