Parris Island Drydock and Commanding General's House

Parris Island Drydock and Commanding General's House is a military complex with a two-story residential building and a historic shipyard facility. The residence contains 27 rooms and features a wooden graving-type drydock structure designed for naval construction work.

The drydock was built in the early 1890s and served as the largest naval docking facility in the US until the 1920s when ship sizes exceeded its capacity. The Commanding General's House was constructed between 1891 and 1895 during this period of naval manufacturing growth.

The Commanding General's House displays the Victorian architectural style of its era through its expansive front porch and octagonal gazebo. These structures reflect the military importance and naval prosperity of that period.

The complex is located on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot grounds and requires proper authorization for visits. Plan time to explore both the residence and the drydock structure, and verify access requirements ahead of your visit.

The wooden drydock represents one of the few surviving graving-type facilities from the 19th century and demonstrates traditional shipbuilding methods. Its construction differs fundamentally from modern steel facilities and shows the craftsmanship of naval engineering from an earlier time.

Location: Beaufort County

Part of: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

GPS coordinates: 32.35000,-80.67170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20