Explore The Ruins Of A Pre-Revolutionary War Grist Mill At Poinsett State Park In South Carolina
Nature and history combine in the High Hills of the Santee in South Carolina, where a little-known state park is home to some extraordinary and hauntingly beautiful ruins. Opened in 1936 after the CCC built out the relatively small park (1,010 acres), Poinsett State Park still boasts many of the original structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. But perhaps the most striking of the old structures found in the park are the ruins of a pre-Revolutionary War grist mill.
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First-time visitors to Poinsett State Park will be in awe of the beauty found here.
Many of the original structures still remain, including picnic shelters and more. Before the start of the Revolutionary War, and long before its designation as a state park, the land was used for growing rice and also included a grist mill.
Visitors to the park today can wander among the many ruins of the mill.
Eventually, the land where Levi's Mill sat was given to Angelica Singleton Van Buren, who was the First Lady during the administration of President Van Buren — even though she wasn't married to the President.
Angelica Singleton Van Buren was married to President Van Buren's son. When the President's wife passed, his daughter-in-law assumed the post of official White House hostess.
When you're finished exploring the pre-Revolutionary War grist mill remains, there is much more to discover at Poinsett State Park.
Most people overlook this underrated state park, perhaps in favor of activities on nearby lake Marion, or even a visit to the beaches on the South Carolina coast. But don't be like most people...
Poinsett State Park is open year-round with a nominal admission fee of $3 for adults, $1.50 for South Carolina seniors, and a mere $1 for kids age 6-15. Kids age five and younger are free. Hours of operation for day-use guests are from 9 a.m. to dark, year-round. Learn more from the official website for South Carolina State Parks.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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