The Ruins of South Carolina

Historic ruins and abandoned complexes with stories to tell.

Sponsored By Discover South Carolina

9 Places

South Carolina has always had a strong sense of its history, and not just from monuments, textbooks, and movies. More likely, it’s because so many historic buildings from centuries past simply refuse to crumble.

From the remains of a bygone frontier settlement, to an 18th-century church that survived two attempted burnings, to a cemetery so eerily overgrown that it inspired Edgar Allan Poe, the places on this list all speak to a history underscored by faith, resilience, and, of course, top-notch, battle-tested craftsmanship.

Welcome to South Carolina—it’s all (still) here!

Yemassee, South Carolina

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Despite being burnt down multiple times, the ruins of this South Carolina church are still standing.

Added by lovatodaye

Summerville, South Carolina

Dorchester, South Carolina's Abandoned Town

First established in 1696, this settlement was abandoned after the Revolutionary War.

Easley, South Carolina

Tiny Town of Easley

A rapidly disappearing authentic bit of the old south.

Added by zackofalltrades

Fort Lawn, South Carolina

Landsford Canal State Park

Amazing pre-Civil War ruins alongside a shallow, rocky river that hosts beautiful (but endangered) lilies.

Added by ChristopherRobin

Charleston, South Carolina

Unitarian Church Cemetery

Paths are maintained, but trees have taken over plots.

Added by Cornchops

Walhalla, South Carolina

Oconee Station State Historic Site

A historic blockhouse and trading post give a glimpse into the early colonial history of South Carolina.

Meg

Charleston, South Carolina

Giant's Causeway Pillar

A stack of stones steeped in Irish folklore, much like the hero they're connected to, hide in plain sight.

J Ginsberg

Added by J Ginsberg

St. Helena Island, South Carolina

St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins

The remains of a chapel created for convenience.

Cayce, South Carolina

Guignard Brick Works

A handful of beehive kilns are all that’s left of a historic brick-making empire.

lukefater

Added by lukefater

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