Known for its natural beauty, scenic landscape, rich culture and exciting history, Berkeley County is luring more and more visitors each year. If you choose to visit, we must warn you — most of those who “visit for pleasure” actually end up falling in love with Berkeley County forever. Countless visitors have been so enticed by what Berkeley County offers that many have made the transition from “visitor” to “permanent resident,” and are now calling this beautiful area their home.
The Berkeley Museum
The Berkeley Museum, located in Old Santee Canal Park, traces the area’s history back 12,000 years. From the Native American residents of the Ice Age, to the famed “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion’s battles during the American Revolution, to the planters who settled the area, the Berkeley Museum provides an entertaining and lively perspective of Berkeley County’s rich and exciting history.
Don’t miss the Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show in September. This popular event features antique tractor and engine exhibits, tractor-pulling competitions, lawn-mower pulling, farm-tools and equipment auction, and an encampment of Civil War re-enactors. Specialists in the areas of blacksmithing, basket weaving, chair caning, furniture making and a grist mill operation are featured in the Crafts of the Lowcountry exhibit at the Berkeley Museum. Entertainment also plays an important part for the two-day event, with performances featuring bluegrass, gospel and beach music.
Churches and History
Berkeley County is rich in history, and legends. Many who visit the area tour the historical churches located throughout the county. These churches date back from the 1700s and have been immaculately maintained so locals and visitors can step back into time. The St. Stephen Episcopal Church dates back to the early 1700s and has been preserved in original condition. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and original woodwork throughout.
Visitors can view Strawberry Chapel’s holding tombs and also hear the infamous story of “Little Miss Chicken.” As legend tells it, back in the 1700s, a teacher tied a young girl to one of the tombstones overnight, (we don’t want to spoil it for you so you will have to visit to catch the rest of the story!)
When viewing the St. James Church in Goose Creek, South Carolina, you will be transported to the time when ladies wore flowing gowns and men wore long tails and vests. Other area churches afford visitors the opportunity to experience the “feeling” during the time when our nation was young and just becoming established. Please contact the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce for more information as church tours are by reservation only.
Thirty-two of the 166 Revolutionary War battle sites in South Carolina are located in Berkeley County. Berkeley is also home of the legendary “Swamp Fox,” General Francis Marion. Marion is known for, and credited with, developing the first guerilla war tactics. He kept the British searching the forest and swamps for his elusive militia. While in Berkeley, it’s well worth a visit to Bell Island Plantation, where Marion and his wife Mary Esther Videou are buried.
Accommodations
Berkeley County has over 21 hotels eager to welcome you. Many of our hotels have received awards and offer a variety of services to ensure your stay in Berkeley County is most comfortable and enjoyable.
Year-round visitors and groups come to Berkeley County to enjoy attractions, events, tours, activities on the water, horseback riding, racing on the mountain bike trails, camping, hiking and benefit from the vast historical, environmental and scientific educational experiences. Don’t miss Berkeley County, Discover Berkeley County — Re-Defining Adventure!