Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site preserves the ruins of a settlement founded in 1697 along the Ashley River, with visible foundations, street layouts, and building remains scattered across the grounds. The site shows where residents built homes, conducted trade, and maintained a church and defensive fort.

The settlement was established in 1697 as a trading post and grew into an important center of early colonial life in South Carolina. The site declined during the American Revolutionary War period and was eventually abandoned.

This was once a trading town with its own church and fort, reflecting how early colonists organized their daily lives and commerce. The remaining structures show how residents built a functioning community far from major colonial centers.

The grounds are best explored on foot, making it suitable for visitors who enjoy walking and investigating outdoor archaeological sites. Plan time to move slowly between different areas and observe both the ruins and the natural riverside setting.

The fort was built from tabby, an early concrete made from crushed oyster shells that colonists used to strengthen their defensive walls. This building technique was innovative for the time and shows how residents learned to use local materials.

Location: Dorchester County

Inception: 1960

Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/colonial-dorchester

GPS coordinates: 32.94950,-80.17190

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09