
South Carolina’s history is engraved into every corner of its landscape. Beyond the familiar tales, these historic sites offer glimpses into the lesser-known narratives that have defined the region. Here, we explore 15 of South Carolina’s most significant historic landmarks to discover the diverse layers of history that continue to influence the state’s identity today.
St Philip’s Church

St. Philip’s Church, which came up in 1680, is the oldest European-American congregation in South Carolina. Completed in 1836 with a spire added in 1850, its Wren-Gibbs architectural style and elegant Tuscan porticoes make it a standout landmark. Finally, in 1973, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Peachoid

Rising 135 feet tall and shaped like a giant peach, this quirky water tower in Gaffney, South Carolina, holds a million gallons of water. Known as “The Peach” or “Mr. Peach,” it’s a popular site along I-85, easily noticeable to travelers between Charlotte and Atlanta.
James Petigru Boyce Chapel

In Columbia, South Carolina, a Greek Revival church built in 1859 became the stage for a pivotal moment in history. On December 17, 1860, delegates gathered here to unanimously vote for South Carolina’s secession, which sparked the Civil War. Now a National Historic Landmark, it was recognized as the First Baptist Church.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Spanning the Cooper River, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant with its 1,546-foot main span. It has been identified as the third-longest cable bridge located in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, this modern marvel is an engineering feat and an addition to the Charleston skyline.
Peaches Corner

Peaches Corner has been a local favorite since 1937, when the Peach family opened it. Though the building itself dates back to 1921, the restaurant was named after “Momma Peach,” who ran the place with her family until 1943. Once with locations in Carolina Beach and Folly Beach, this is the last remaining Peach.
Harbourtown Lighthouse

Perched at Harbour Town Marina, this lighthouse acts as a unique navigation aid. Once the subject of local skepticism during its construction, it quickly won hearts and is now a symbol of Hilton Head Island and Sea Pines Resort. Its fame has been boosted by the annual Heritage golf tournament, which attracts millions of golf enthusiasts.
Zesto

As a trademark under TJ Group Investments, LLC, Zesto is seen at numerous restaurants and franchise chains. In South Carolina, this gem has been delighting taste buds for over 73 years with its broasted chicken, hamburgers, and desserts. It’s a must-visit spot that’s delicious and also perfect for snapping an Instagram-worthy photo.
Beaufort National Cemetery

Beaufort National Cemetery, erected during the Civil War, honors soldiers who passed on in nearby Union hospitals following the Battle of Port Royal. It also includes over 100 Confederate soldiers and more than 9,000 Union soldiers or veterans. Designated a National Cemetery by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it serves as a lasting tribute to their service.
Rainbow Row

Imagine strolling through Charleston and coming upon a row of thirteen historic houses, each dressed in cheerful pastel hues. Spanning from 79 to 107 East Bay Street, these homes were given their colorful makeover during the 1930s and 1940s. Now, this stretch is a popular spot for tourists and photographers.
Tunnelvision

“Tunnelvision” by Blue Sky is a trompe-l’œil painting that measures 50 by 75 feet. This eye-catching artwork cleverly creates the illusion of a tunnel, which makes it look like a genuine, three-dimensional passageway. The painting adds a visual impact to the building it adorns and captivates viewers with its depth and realism.
Emanuel AME Church

Founded in Charleston in 1817, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, or Mother Emanuel, is the oldest AME church in the Southern US. It’s home to one of the region’s oldest black congregations. With the AME denomination originating in Philadelphia in 1816, Mother Emanuel is an important historical and cultural landmark.
Burt-Stark Mansion

The Burt-Stark Mansion in Abbeville is where the Confederate government held its final Council of War on May 2, 1865. Jefferson Davis, realizing the cause was lost, faced unanimous opposition to continuing the fight. This mansion became a National Historic Landmark in 1992 for its role in this key moment in history.
Georgetown Light

Georgetown Light is located on North Island at the entrance to Winyah Bay near Georgetown. It is an active lighthouse preserved by the US Coast Guard. Furthermore, it is currently managed by the State of South Carolina as a part of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve.
Poinsett Bridge

Built in 1820, Poinsett Bridge is one of the oldest in South Carolina and might even be the oldest in the entire southeastern US. Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, it was originally part of a road connecting Columbia to Saluda Mountain. Though it’s no longer used, the bridge is still well-preserved and sits within the 400-acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve.
Boone Hall

If you find yourself in Mount Pleasant, check out Boone Hall Plantation. With over 320 years of history, it’s one of America’s oldest continuously operating plantations and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tours highlight a 1936 Colonial Revival-style home and an allée of southern live oak trees planted in 1743.