Know Before You Go
Local residents know that the South Carolina State Historic Site at Fort Dorchester offers pleasant walking trails, features the ruins of a colonial town, cemetery, and church tower, and showcases one of the best-preserved oyster-shell, or “tabby,” fortifications in the nation. Visitors from farther afield, however, may be surprised to find the remnants of a flourishing eighteenth-century trading post and Revolutionary War stronghold only 25 miles from the City of Charleston. Although the town of Dorchester disappeared after American independence was won, it had a prominent role in the early history of South Carolina and the struggle for liberty.
Operating Hours
9am-6pm, daily, during Daylight Saving Time. 9am-5pm, daily, the remainder of the year.
OFFICE 11 a.m. - noon, daily
Admission & Tickets
$3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
Directions
From I-26: Take exit 199-A. Travel 3 mi on Hwy 17 through downtown Summerville to Hwy 165.
Turn left onto Hwy. 165/E. Carolina Ave. Stay in right lane and travel .5 miles and veer right and continue on Hwy. 165/Bacons Bridge Rd.
Travel 2.5 mi to Hwy 642/Dorchester Rd.
Turn Left at intersection of bacons Bridge Road and Dorchester Road.
Travel 2 mi. and park entrance will be on the right.
What's Nearby
Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.
