History & Culture

Though it might be forgotten and off the beaten path, Battery Warren is a nice corner of the Francis Marion National Forest. If you are looking for a quiet place for an afternoon stroll give Battery Warren in the Hell Hole Swamp a try Battery Warren, a Civil War earthen fort meant to block Union forces from moving up the Santee River, is one of the best preserved coastal fortifications still in existence. It is named for Colonel Samuel Warren, a local revolutionary war hero and previous owner of the land where the battery is built.
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In the late 1600s, English and French Huguenot planters settled our area. Their fierce independence, self-sufficiency and strong, agrarian work ethic have defined our regional mentality. Many families proudly trace their roots to these brave, hard-working settlers. Gratefully, society has made many advances. However, we are linked by common experiences, a shared past and, above all, a love of the land. We’re proud of our communities and are working together and are excited about the future.
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Berkeley County is part of the Gullah Geechie Cultural Heritage Corridor, which extends from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida. This African-American culture was brought to the United States from West Africa. There is an active effort to preserve the language, music and traditions of this beautiful culture. Berkeley County features Gullah Geechie events at various times throughout the year.
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In 2010, Cypress Gardens opened its new Heritage Room exhibit, featuring African-American artifacts found on the site of the old Dean Hall Plantation. After two years of researching and studying artifacts found on the site (which date back to the 1700s) archaeologists can now offer an accurate perspective about life on the plantation.
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Grave of General Francis Marion
Burial place of the Lowcountry’s famous “Swamp Fox” general, who outwitted the British during the American Revolution. The elusive and famous Francis Marion is buried next to his beloved wife, Mary Esther Videou, on Belle Isle Plantation. While in Berkeley County, be sure to visit this final resting place of one of history’s most well-known and respected figures.

Site of Battle of Quenby Creek
American and British armies, both equal in manpower, met in an encounter here in July 1781, resulting in a loss of 60 Americans and 145 British soldiers.
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Mepkin Abbey is located on the plantation site of Revolutionary War Hero Henry Laurens. Laurens, a signer of the Articles of the Confederation, was held prisoner in the Tower of London and exchanged for General Lord Charles Cornwallis, the British General who laid siege to cut routes from the Port of Charleston. Mepkin Abbey is now an active Trappist monastery. Guests can take tour of these historic grounds, including the breathtaking formal gardens, while learning about the Trappist monk way of life.

On the bluffs overlooking the scenic Cooper River you’ll find Mepkin Abbey, home to an active Trappist monastery. People from around the globe come to tour our beautiful grounds and gardens, attend an authentic monk prayer service, and take in the breathtaking views of our majestic place. Mepkin Abbey’s store features the work of local, regional, national and international monastic artisans. The monks also harvest gourmet oyster mushrooms. These delightful delicacies are used in the recipes of many world-renowned restaurants. Be sure to pick up or order some to try in your own kitchen! And, don’t forget to try Mepkin Abbey’s popular homemade fruitcake during the holiday season.

Experiencing a “day in the life” of the monks is just as interesting as the history behind this popular place. The monastery is located on the land formally owned by Henry Laurens, Congressional Constitutional president. Henry Laurens, a true political patriot, was held prisoner in the Tower of London and finally released after he was exchanged for the infamous British General, Lord Charles Cornwallis. Lord Cornwallis took siege of Charleston, cutting of trade from the port and chasing the elusive “Swamp Fox” General Francis Marion.

Mepkin Abbey is also home to the popular Creche Festival, held every November, featuring over 100 different nativities from around the world. The American Bus Association named the festival one of the Top 100 Events in North America for group travel in 2012.

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