Berkeley County, South Carolina

Barnet's Tavern Battle of Lenud's Ferry Berkeley County Berkeley County Berkeley County Berkeley County Berkeley County Berkeley County Berkeley County Confederate Monument Berkeley Training High School Biggin Church Boochawee Hall Bowen's Corner Brabant Plantation Broom Hall Plantation Button Hall C.S.S. David Casey (Caice) Cherokee Path Colleton House: “Unmanly Practices” or Legitimate Target? Cross Post Office Crowfield Plantation DeWitt Williams Bridge Dixie Training School / Berkeley Training High School Early Indian Trading Paths / The Goose Creek Men Fairlawn Plantation / Fort Fairlawn First Site of Moncks Corner Fort Fair Lawn: An Archeaological Treasure Francis Marion Francis Marion / Francis Marion's Grave Francis Marion’s Grave French Huguenot Plantation / Freedman's Plantation Friendship Methodist Church Gen. William Moultrie Goose Creek / City of Goose Creek Goose Creek Bridge Goose Creek Church Howe Hall Plantation / Howe Hall Howe Hall Plantation / Howe Hall Elementary School Jamestown Veterans Monument L. Mendel Rivers House Lewisfield Plantation Liberty Hall Plantation Maham Plantation Medway Plantation Mepkin Plantation Moss Grove Mount Holly Station • Mount Holly Mulberry Plantation Old Jamestown Old Moncks Corner Otranto Indigo Vat Otranto Plantation Pinopolis Pompion Hill Chapel Quenby Bridge Quinby Bridge & Shubrick’s Plantation: The Disastrous “Raid of the Dog Days” Rehoboth Methodist Church Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard Santee Canal Santee Canal Silk Hope Plantation Site of Huguenot Church of Saint John's Berkeley Spring Hill Methodist Church Springfield Plantation St. James, Goose Creek St. James, Goose Creek Chapel of Ease / Bethlehem Baptist Church St. John's Church St. Stephen Colored School / St. Stephen High School St. Stephens Veterans Monument St. Stephen's Episcopal Church St. Thomas Church Star of the West Steepbrook Plantation Stony Landing House Stony Landing Plantation Strawberry Chapel The Citadel Bulldog The Elusive Francis Marion: Guerrilla Commander The Elusive Francis Marion: The Stuff of Legend The Oaks The Yamasee War At Goose Creek, 1715 Thomas Sumter's Store Thomas Walter Thorogood Plantation / Mount Holly Plantation Varner Town Indian Community Village of Eadytown Village of Pineville Wadboo Barony Wadboo Barony: Francis Marion’s Last Headquarters Wassamassaw “Sojer Grave”
Berkeley County, located in South Carolina, has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Cusabo and Stono, who lived off the rich resources of the land and waterways. In the late 17th century, English settlers arrived and established plantations for growing crops such as rice, indigo, and later cotton. These plantations relied heavily on enslaved labor, shaping the economic and social fabric of the region.

During the American Revolution, Berkeley County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Moncks Corner, fought in 1780, was a key engagement in the southern campaign and saw the Patriots successfully defend against the British forces. The county was also an important center for partisan warfare, with notable figures such as Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," leading guerrilla attacks against British troops. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many plantation owners losing their wealth and influence.

In the antebellum period, Berkeley County experienced further growth and prosperity through agriculture. The county's fertile soil and warm climate made it ideal for cultivating cash crops. The landscape was dotted with sprawling plantations, and the enslaved population grew to outnumber the white residents significantly. However, this prosperity was built on the backs of enslaved individuals who endured harsh conditions and exploitation.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Berkeley County, as it did to the entire South. The Union forces occupied the area in 1865, resulting in the abolition of slavery and changes to the social order. The economy, heavily dependent on agriculture, struggled to recover in the post-war years. Today, Berkeley County is a mix of rural and urban communities, with a diverse population and a vibrant economy driven by industries such as manufacturing and tourism. The county continues to honor its history through various historical sites, museums, and events that highlight its unique heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Berkeley County, South Carolina:

  • 1682 - Berkeley County is established as one of the three original counties in Carolina Province.
  • 1769 - The county courthouse is relocated from the original town of St. John's Parish to Mount Pleasant.
  • 1785 - Charleston becomes the county seat, replacing Mount Pleasant, which is designated as a separate district.
  • 1865 - The Civil War ends, and Berkeley County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1895 - South Carolina's state constitution is ratified, effectively establishing Berkeley County's current boundaries.
  • 1909 - The construction of the Santee Canal is completed, connecting Berkeley County to the Santee River and fostering economic growth.
  • 1973 - The Naval Weapons Station Charleston is established in Berkeley County.
  • 2005 - Berkeley County experiences significant population growth due to increased development and new industries.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Berkeley County, South Carolina.