7 historic forts and ruins in SC to explore within 50 miles of Hilton Head Island
Usually seen as a tourist destination, Hilton Head Island is rich with history that generally goes overlooked. With forts and ruins dating back to the American Civil War, there is much more to do on the island than grab some sun on one of its many beaches.
Whether you’re a long-time local, recent homebuyer or a history-seeking vacationer, here are seven historical landmarks near Hilton Head Island that contain an abundance of history.
Fort Howell
Located on Hilton Head Island, Fort Howell is a pentagon-like structure, molded from the earth. Despite natural erosion and tree growth, this fort is still discernible today and is accessible to the public. This fort was built in 1864 during the American Civil War by the 32nd United States Colored Infantry Regiment from Pennsylvania and the 144th New York Infantry. These Union troops primarily built Fort Howell to defend the nearby freedman’s village, Mitchelville, from approaching Confederate soldiers. Fort Howell has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom - Underground Railroad and the Civil War Discovery Trail. This fort is located on the north end of the island off of Beach City Road.
Fort Mitchel
Located on Hilton Head, remnants of the fort it once was, Fort Mitchel remains as a reminder of one of several purposes the island served during the Civil War era. Following the death of Major General Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel, which occurred on Oct. 30, 1862, the fort was named in his honor. This fort is located off of Skull Creek Drive in Hilton Head Plantation.
Fort Fremont
Located on Saint Helena Island, Fort Fremont was constructed in 1899. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers with the help of local laborers on condemned private property, the fort was designed to play a strategic and important role in the protection of the dry dock and coaling station. These were critical to the Atlantic Fleet during the Spanish-American War period. After the Port Royal Naval Station was moved to Charleston, Fort Fremont was later abandoned. Tours can be taken at the fort to better acknowledge history and learn more information about what took place. The Fort Fremont History Center opened in 2021 and provides further information and a more in-depth look at this fort.
Fort Sherman
Fort Sherman, which is also located on Hilton Head, was one of a few forts on the island during the American Civil War. This once large fort, crafted from the earth, now has a historical marker to signify its location. The fort consisted of 2 miles of built-up earth, which enclosed a 14-acre area. Fort Sherman was constructed in 1862. It was named after the first Union commander in the area, General Thomas West Sherman.
Fort Walker/Welles
Fort Walker/Welles, on Hilton Head Island, was another earthwork fort built during the Civil War era. Named and renamed over the years and now a small park in dedication to the fort, the few visible remains can be found near the intersection of Fort Walker Drive and North Port Royal Drive. This fort is listed in The Historical Marker Database.
Stoney-Baynard ruins
Though not a fort, the Stoney-Baynard ruins is a sight to see for any history buff scouring the area. Located in what is now called the Sea Pines community on Hilton Head Island, these ruins are immersed in history. Bits of the old home can still be seen today. Allegedly burned down by Confederate arsonists, the mansion’s tabby foundation, a corner wall, and the foundations of other outbuildings are what remain. These ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places list.
Old Sheldon Church ruins
Originally known as Prince William’s Parish Church, the Old Sheldon Church Ruins are located near Yemassee. This church was built between 1745 and 1753, only to be burned down by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War when British Gen. Augustine Prevost, invaded the Lowcountry. In 1826, it was rebuilt until it was destroyed in February 1865 during the American Civil War.
This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
