Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a 662-acre historic estate in Bryan County featuring a wooden frame house situated along Kilkenny Creek. The property overlooks tidal salt marshes and showcases Greek Revival architecture from an earlier period.

Thomas Young owned the estate from 1758 until Charles Rogers purchased it in 1836 to grow Sea Island cotton. A Union gunboat stationed at Bear River later fired on the property during the Civil War.

The shift to a club setting in 1890 brought summer visitors seeking fishing and relaxation along the waterfront. This transformation reflects how the place evolved from working land to a destination for leisure.

The property sits surrounded by water and marshland, so sturdy footwear is advisable for uneven ground and damp conditions. Limited facilities are available on-site, so bring water and snacks if planning a longer visit.

The property came under direct fire from a Union gunboat during the Civil War, marking it as a site touched by actual combat. This bombardment left the estate as a tangible reminder of wartime conflict in the region.

Location: Bryan County

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 31.78972,-81.20333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40