A LOST National Park is sitting in plain sight in South Carolina. It may surprise you to learn just how close it is to the historic city of Charleston, or of the state of disrepair in which it currently exists. Here’s the story behind Castle Pinckney in South Carolina…

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In defense of the beautiful City of Charleston, it's not their fault a national treasure - Castle Pinckney - is collapsing into the sea. It was abandoned in 1951 by the National Park Service and left to rot in the spoils of the salt air, sea and wind.
SCDAH/National Register
Flickr/Henry de Saussure Copeland
In addition to a few minor assigns, Castle Pinckney served as both a defense fortress and a prison for union soldiers and officers during the Civil War.
Flickr/Henry de Saussure Copeland
However, some like to speculate a single defense shot was never fired from the fortress.

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A uniquely-designed round fortress, Castle Pinckney was built in 1812 on top of the remains of a previous log and earthen fort. After the Civil War some modifications were made to prepare for the Spanish-American War. Following, a lighthouse was built on the fort in the late 1800s. It operated until the early 1900s.
Flickr/hdescopeland
Then, in 1924 Castle Pinckney was declared a U.S. National Monument by presidential decree. Its neighbors to the north and south, Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter, too were added to the esteemed list of National Monuments. All three would fall under the umbrella of the National Park Service. But one of them would eventually be sacrificed.
SCDAH/National Register
In 1956 Castle Pinckney was removed from that list and given to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
YouTube/RickerPhotog
Over the years and decades, the stewardship of this lost national park has changed hands almost too many times to keep up.
Flickr/Roland Turner
The most recent news of Castle Pinckney reports it was purchased by the Fort Sumter Camp No. 1269, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Unconfirmed reports say the group bought this lost national park for ten confederate dollars.

Did you know South Carolina had a lost national park? If you’ve ever taken the boat tour to Ft. Sumter then you have likely passed right by this forgotten national treasure. You can learn more about Castle Pinckney in South Carolina by visiting its website.

If you enjoy exploring the abandoned sites of South Carolina, here is an entire list of some you can check out.

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Castle Pinckney In South Carolina

Leah | December 04, 2020

Can I visit any abandoned places in South Carolina?

This lost national park in South Carolina is not the only abandoned place you can visit. If you enjoy exploring the empty and decaying, check out these places. There's an old abandoned building at the Charleston Navy Base, falling to ruin and quite the sight to see in person. In the tiny town of Lando, South Carolina - population 89 - a 100-year-old school stands that's been empty and deteriorating since 1955. It's fascinating to see these places get reclaimed by nature, even if sad at times.

Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit?

Explore some interesting places in South Carolina that are surprisingly lesser-known. Not many people know that, deep in the woods of the Palmetto State, there is a Buddhist Monastery. The buildings and grounds are beautiful and open to the public on certain days of the week. If you enjoy actual castles, take a visit to the Gassaway Mansion in Greenville that'll take your breath away. Even just driving by it can be fun - keeping in mind that the actual grounds are available for private events only.

What are the coolest attractions in South Carolina?

Some of the most fascinating places in the state are that way because of the story behind them, other than being awesome to look at or experience. For example, the Angel Oak in Charleston is both of these. It's a huge, exceptionally old tree that is amazing to see in person, but it's the story behind it that will make it memorable. There's also a pipe and spigot sticking out of the ground in a seemingly random spot in the South Carolina woods. Without knowing anything about it, you might pass right by. If you know the story behind it and how it's considered a "fountain of youth," you'll be quick to stop. Known as Gods Acre Healing Springs, it is said the spring water being pumped out of the pipe has healing properties and people travel for miles to fill up bottles to bring home.

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Featured Addresses
Castle Pinckney Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, USA