Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

PARK OVERVIEW

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site commemorates the South Carolina statesman who was instrumental in the formation of the United States Constitution and was a signer of the document. Located on the grounds of his former plantation just outside of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, the park features a museum dedicated to Pinckney and South Carolina’s role in the shaping of America’s political structure shortly after the American Revolution. The Visitor Center and museum are housed in the lone structure remaining on the property, a coastal farmhouse built around 1828 by subsequent owners of the plantation. Pinckney sold the property in 1817 after running into financial trouble.

The Visitor Center and Museum are only open seasonally. If closed, there is no reason whatsoever to visit the park. The grounds outside the farmhouse may be open, but the only attraction is a half-mile trail that encircles the property. It is a nice trail, taking visitors past magnolias and beautiful live oaks strewn with Spanish moss, but it is too short for exercise purposes, even for locals.

A thorough visit to the park should take no more than two hours, though most visitors take about an hour to see the museum, watch the park film, and stroll around the grounds.

OPERATING HOURS

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site park grounds are open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM, except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Visitor Center and Museum is only open seasonally (there is no reason to visit the park if the building is not open). Get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s Basic Information web page for the park.

FEES

There is no fee to enter Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

Visitor Center and Museum
(allow 1.5 hours)

History Trail
(allow 20 minutes)

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