Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Founded to commemorate Beaufort’s role in the Reconstruction era, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is filled with historical sights that offer visitors insight into the period and its significance. The park consists of four locations around Beaufort—Brick Baptist Church, Penn Center, Downtown Beaufort, and Camp Saxton—and hosts a variety of free events to enhance your experience.
The basics
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park consists of multiple sites, each with its own historical significance. The park hosts a busy calendar of events, including free Ranger Program tours, which typically last one hour and involve walking between different areas—check the calendar on the park website as dates, times, and starting locations vary.
While visitors can travel between the sites independently, there are also many Beaufort tours that include the park on their itineraries. Tours typically visit multiple Beaufort attractions; choose from tours by golf cart, horse and carriage, minibus, or walking tours.
Things to know before you go
- No booking is required to join one of the free Ranger Program tours.
- Downtown Beaufort Visitor Center, Pinckney-Porter's Chapel, and Darrah Hall are all accessible to wheelchairs.
- You can find fountains to refill water bottles at Downtown Beaufort Visitor Center, Pinckney-Porter's Chapel, and Darrah Hall.
- There’s a gift store located in the visitor center, which sells souvenirs, books, and postcards.
How to get there
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park’s headquarters and visitor center—referred to as Downtown Beaufort—is at 706 Craven Street, within the Old Beaufort Firehouse. Some Ranger Programs start from here—they start from multiple locations—but you can also find information here about all the park sites, including maps and directions. There is metered parking readily available in downtown Beaufort, although some of the park sites do have their own designated parking areas.
When to get there
The visitor center is open daily, typically from 9am through to 5pm, although it closes on some public holidays. The park grounds tend to be open from sunrise to sunset. Be aware that opening hours can differ between the various sites, so it’s worth checking the website in advance for the latest information. Spring or fall are lovely times to visit Beaufort, offering pleasant weather to explore the park’s outdoor spaces.
Explore more of Beaufort’s Reconstruction era history
Beaufort’s streets embrace its history and other sites of significance worth visiting include Secession House, Beaufort National Cemetery, and Beaufort History Museum. If heading to the Penn Center on Saint Helena Island, consider walking the Capers Creek Trail, where Martin Luther King, Jr. once strolled.
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