Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

National Historical Park · SC

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

The Reconstruction era,1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economic, and labor systems, was a time of significant transformation. The people, places, and events in Beaufort County, South Carolina, reflect on the most important issues of this tumultuous time period.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A two story brick building flanked by large live oak trees — Brick Baptist Church, located on the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, was home to the Penn School between 1862-1865

A one story brick building with large arched windows — The Old Beaufort Firehouse, located in downtown Beaufort, serves as the park headquarters and visitor center

A park ranger holds a sign while talking to young people. — Ranger guided tours and programs are a great way to explore Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

A Park Ranger points at the ruins of a tabby wall with three people looking on — Camp Saxton it partly located on SCDNR and US Navy Property. It was here that Black soldiers during the Civil War took their first steps towards citizenship.

A crowd of people stand in front of a large white wooden building — Darrah Hall is the oldest building on the campus of the Penn Center, and serves as the base of operations for the park in the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District

A large crowd of people gather in a field. In the foreground is an NPS sign — The Penn Center is one of the park's partners to help preserve and tell the story of education during the Reconstruction Era

Activities

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Hiking
Junior Ranger Program
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store