These Small Towns in South Carolina Have the Best Historic Districts
As one of the oldest states in the USA, it should come as no surprise that South Carolina is home to some of the most interesting small towns in the country. Dotted across the rolling hills of its upstate region down to the pretty stretches of its Lowcountry coastline, some of the best of these communities also boast charming, well-preserved historic districts.
From tales of war and civil strife to periods of prosperity and cultural growth, each of the towns featured here is distinguished by the unique role they’ve played in the history not just of the “Palmetto State,” but of the United States as a whole. Find out more with this list of small towns in South Carolina that have the best historic districts.
Beaufort
Built up along the river after which it’s named, pretty Beaufort was established in 1711 and bears the distinction of being South Carolina’s second oldest town. Visit Beaufort Historic District, the entirety of which has been designated a National Historic Landmark, and you’ll see beautiful oak-lined streets surrounded by grand antebellum mansions constructed before the Civil War.
Notable examples include John Mark Verdier House on Bay Street. Built in the late 1700s, this Federal-style mansion is now a museum that provides a glimpse into Beaufort's fascinating past, detailing the town's involvement in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. St. Helena's Episcopal Church, another significant landmark, dates back to 1712 and boasts a picture-worthy white facade and tall steeple.
Camden
An easy 30-minute drive northeast of Columbia, SC, Camden’s historic district includes over 48 buildings and structures and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Founded in 1732, here you’ll find period homes and stores that were around at the time of the Battle of Camden in 1780, a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War that’s commemorated at the Camden Battlefield site.
The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is another must-visit attraction. Spread across 107 acres, it’s home to a collection of period buildings and reconstructions that paint an authentic picture of America's colonial and revolutionary periods.
Walterboro
Located 50 miles west of Charleston and only a few minutes off the I-95 highway, Walterboro was established in the 1780s as a summer retreat for Lowcountry aristocrats seeking reprieve from the oppressive heat and has since made a name for itself for its charming downtown core. The Walterboro Historic District is the heart of the town's rich heritage and is where you’ll find many well-preserved antebellum homes and churches lining its cobblestone streets.
Standouts include Bedon-Lucas House, a high-raised cottage built around 1820 that now houses an interesting museum; and Colleton County Courthouse, dating back to 1822 and a stunning backdrop for a selfie.
Abbeville
Founded in 1832 amidst the attractive scenery of South Carolina's upstate region and named after a city in France, Abbeville is best known both as the birthplace and the deathbed of the Confederacy. It was in this pretty town in 1860 that the first mass meeting calling for South Carolina’s secession from the Union occurred. It’s also where, just five years later, Confederate President Jefferson Davis gathered with his war cabinet for the last time.
You’ll find numerous references to these events in Abbeville’s picturesque town square and along the tree-lined streets leading to it. Most notable is Burt-Stark Mansion, the elegant antebellum residence where the Confederate leader held his meeting in 1865 (it’s now a museum).
Edgefield
Located in the western part of South Carolina, the Old Edgefield District was first settled in the 1750s and encompasses an area that has borne witness to everything from early Native American settlements to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Start your journey at Edgefield Courthouse Square, home to the attractive Edgefield County Courthouse, built in 1839 in Greek Revival style. From here you’re just a short stroll away from Edgefield Pottery, known for its highly prized stoneware creations.
Other highlights include Oakley Park Museum, once the residence of Confederate General Martin Witherspoon Gary and home to a sizable collection of period furnishings and other artifacts.
Georgetown
One of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Georgetown was founded in 1729 between Charleston and Myrtle Beach and is where you’ll find one of the most attractive old downtowns in the state. Georgetown Historic District includes the lovely Harborwalk area, popular for its listed buildings and excellent views over the Sampit River.
Among the best places to visit in Georgetown, the Kaminski House Museum on Front Street was built in the mid-18th century and is a shining example of antebellum architecture. Also check out the Rice Museum, housed in the Old Market Building and featuring fascinating displays regarding Georgetown’s’ role as a major producer of this staple food product.
Bamberg
Established in 1840 in the southern part of South Carolina and named after its founder’s hometown in Germany, Bamberg’s historic district spans several blocks and is home to a diverse range of architectural styles, most notably Victorian and Colonial Revival. Neoclassical designs are also evident in the Bamberg County Courthouse, an iconic early 20th-century structure set in the heart of the downtown area. Carlisle Military School is also worth visiting and operated in Bamberg from 1892 to 1977.
In addition to a number of attractive homes, the district includes two churches worth seeing. Gothic-styled, red-brick Trinity United Methodist Church was built in 1904, while First Baptist Church was constructed in Georgian Revival style a little later in 1928.
The Final Word
Together, these attractive old towns paint an authentic picture of South Carolina’s storied past. From opulent antebellum mansions that saw the end of rebellions to old town squares that once rang with the chatter of local townsfolk looking to overthrow the institutions of government, each has a unique story waiting to be shared. Learn more from this list of small towns in South Carolina that have the best historic districts to explore.
