Charles Town Landing State Historic Site

Charles Town Landing State Historic Site

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

Cannons boom. Muskets bark. Interpretive rangers in 17th century dress tend heirloom crops. They’re all part of the “new” Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

Here a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolinas colony, the plantation system of the American South, and one of the continent’s first major port cities. And here the story is still told. Opened in 1970 as Charles Towne Landing State Park, the peaceful park on a marshy point off the Ashley River was rebuilt in 2006 with a sharpened focus on the site’s remarkable past.

Begin with the 12-room, interactive museum in the Visitors Center that includes a “digital dig”. Then walk the self-guided history trail, using the MP3 players that add an audio tour to the experience.

Visit the Adventure, Charleston's only 17th century replica sailing ship, and the authentic experimental crop garden. Talk to archaeologists at work. And leave time for the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo and 80 acres of gardens that includes an elegant live oak alle’ and the Legare-Waring House, one of Charleston’s favorite sites for weddings and other special gatherings.

GENERAL

* Must See: Yes
* Notifications:
Just Like 1670, but with audio tours. Charles Town Landing
o Download MP3 Archaeological Dig Lead archaeologist at Charles Towne Landing, Elsie Eubancks, introduces us to the world of archaeology.
o Download MP3 Live Cannon Fire Learn how Charles Towne protected itself against the threat of hostile attacks from water and land.
o Download MP3 Shipping Port Charlestown was a bustling shipping port trading skins, wood and even slaves.
* Designation: Listed on the National Register
* Counties: Charleston
* Acreage: 664
* When & How PRT Acquired: Received in 1971 from the Tricentennial Commission
* Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not permitted in the Animal Forest.

* Tour and Programs Information: Visit a natural habitat zoo that is home to animal species that were indigenous to Carolina at the time of the settlement such as Bison, Black Bear, Puma, Elk, Otter and more. View a 17th century replica ship, called a trading ketch. Watch archaeologists at work rediscovering the past of South Carolina's birthplace.

Charles Towne Landing is a "DiscoverCarolina Site", which provides curriculum-based social studies programs for South Carolina school children.
* Pay Phone on Site: Yes

HOURS

* Admissions: $5/adult; $3.25/S.C. Senior; $3/youth age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

* Office Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
* Days and Hours of Operation: Daily 9am-5pm
* Days and Holidays Closed: Christmas Eve/ChristmasDay

LOCATION

* Driving Directions: From I-26 E: Take Cosgrove Road exit 216A onto Hwy. 7 (Sam Rittenberg Blvd.) bear left onto Hwy. 171 (Old Town Rd.) Follow signs for Charles Towne Landing. The park is on the left at a traffic light.
* Miles to Nearest Hospital: 3
* Miles to Nearest Town: 1

MILES TO:

* Charleston, SC: 3
* Columbia, SC: 112
* Florence, SC: 110
* Greenville, SC: 210
* Charlotte, NC: 200
* Raleigh, NC: 250
* Atlanta, GA: 286
* Augusta, GA: 139
* Savannah, GA: 104

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

* Are there Cabins or Villas at this Park?: There are no overnight facilities at this Park.
* What kind of activites are available at this Park?: Interpretive Trails and Picnicing areas are available at Charles Towne Landing. Please click on the Things To Do menu item above for more details.
* If you cannot find it on this website: We try to provide you with as much information as possible on this website to assist you in selecting your favorite State Park and book your reservation on-line. However, if you can't locate the information you are looking for on this site, please feel free to email the park at charlestowne@scprt.com. We will respond to your email as soon as possible.