CHARLES PINCKNEY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

charles pinckney NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

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About
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Historical Significance of Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Explore the life and legacy of Charles Pinckney, a pivotal figure in American history, at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This historic landmark offers an in-depth look at Pinckney’s contributions to the founding of the United States, including his role as a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where his ideas helped shape the U.S. Constitution. As a prominent South Carolinian, Pinckney also served as Governor, U.S. Senator, and diplomat, leaving a lasting impact on state and national politics.

The site, located just across the Cooper River from Charleston, encompasses part of Snee Farm, one of Pinckney’s plantations, providing visitors with a tangible connection to 18th-century plantation life.

Pinckney was a strong advocate for protecting individual rights and establishing a robust federal government, and his influence extended to balancing state and federal powers, shaping the early political landscape of America. Like most plantation owners of his time, Pinckney used enslaved people to operate Snee Farm and his other plantations. Exhibits at the site reveal the life and times of the enslaved people who lived and toiled on Snee Farm. Plan your visit to this important historic site and immerse yourself in the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers.

Location

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29466

Hours

The Visitor Center is closed until Spring 2025, however, the grounds are open Wed-Sun from 9am-4pm.

Admission

Free entry to the historic site and visitor center.

More Information

For more information, visit the National Park Service website or call (843) 883-3123

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to explore the life of a Founding Father and the early history of the United States. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about America’s past, this site provides a rich, educational experience. Plan your visit today and discover the enduring legacy of Charles Pinckney in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Gain a deeper understanding of the foundational period of American history and the critical role played by Charles Pinckney.

Educational Experience

Walk the grounds of the historic Snee Farm, where you can see archaeological sites, and the remains of the plantation’s structures, and learn about 18th-century plantation life.

Snee Farm

Explore exhibits detailing Charles Pinckney’s life, his role in the Constitutional Convention, and his influence on American politics and the lives of enslaved people on Snee Farm.

Historic Exhibits

Engaging exhibits and informative tours make this site a great educational destination for visitors of all ages.

Family-Friendly

The visitor center offers informative displays, interactive exhibits, and a bookstore with a range of educational materials.

Visitor Center

Enjoy the serene and historic landscape of Snee Farm, offering a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life. You can picnic under centuries old oak trees. In season, the site has an impressive collection of camellias and azaleas to admire.

Scenic Grounds

charles pinckney national historic site camellias

explore the timeline

1769 – Construction of Snee Farm

Snee Farm, the plantation that is now the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, was established in 1769 by Charles Pinckney’s father, Colonel Charles Pinckney. Located on 715 acres near Charleston, South Carolina, the farm operated as a working plantation.
Charles Pinckney inherited the farm in 1782 and managed the property while pursuing his career as a statesman and influential figure in American history.

1787 – Charles Pinckney and the U.S. Constitution

In 1787, Charles Pinckney served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where he played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution. His contributions included the Pinckney Plan, which influenced several provisions in the final document.
After the convention, Pinckney continued to serve as governor of South Carolina, a U.S. Senator, and an ambassador, all while maintaining Snee Farm as a working plantation.
Snee Farm was a stop on President George Washington’s tour of the South in 1791.

1800s – Post-Pinckney Era

Snee Farm remained in the Pinckney family until 1817, when it was sold after Charles Pinckney’s death. The property continued to operate as a plantation under various owners throughout the 19th century.
The original main house from Pinckney’s time was destroyed, but the farm's historical significance continued to grow due to its association with the founding father and his contributions to the nation. The present house is believed to have been built about 1830 and the flanking rooms added in 1936.

1973 – Snee Farm Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

April of 1973, Snee Farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical importance as the former estate of Charles Pinckney, a framer of the Constitution and influential statesman.
The site became a National Landmark in November of 1973.
The listing was part of broader efforts to preserve historically significant properties tied to the early history of the United States.

1988 – Establishment of Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

The site was saved from certain development by the Friends of Snee Farm who purchased the site in 1988 and later sold it to the National Park Service.
The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site was officially established in 1988 by the U.S. Congress to preserve the remnants of the Snee Farm plantation and honor Charles Pinckney’s legacy.
The National Park Service manages the site, which includes 28 acres of the original plantation. The farm’s appearance has changed dramatically since Pinckney’s time, but archaeological studies and historical research have helped reconstruct its past.

1990s – Restoration and Public Access

During the 1990s, the National Park Service undertook significant restoration efforts to provide public access to the site, enhance educational programs, and preserve the remaining structures and artifacts.
The visitor center and museum were established, and interpretive programs were developed to highlight Pinckney’s role in shaping the Constitution, as well as the daily life on a Lowcountry plantation, including the contributions of enslaved African Americans.

Present Day

Today, the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site serves as an important educational resource, offering insight into the life of Charles Pinckney, the formation of the U.S. government, and the history of plantation culture in the Lowcountry.
In 2023 new exhibits were opened showcasing the history of Snee Farm, displaying artifacts associated with the Pinckney family, Gullah Geechee culture, eighteenth century farming techniques, and enslaved peoples.
Visitors can explore archaeological remains, view exhibits about Pinckney’s political contributions, and learn about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Snee Farm.
The site is a preserved part of American history, representing not only the life of one of the country’s founding fathers but also the complex history of South Carolina’s plantation era.

1776-1782 – Pinckney’s Role in the American Revolution

When the Revolutionary War broke out Charles was only 19 years old. He pursued the study of law and when he reached 21 he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He joined his father’s Charles Towne Militia and was a Lieutenant in the unit during the siege of Savannah but during the siege of Charleston he and others were captured. His cousin Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and William Moultrie were allowed to reside at Snee Farm under house arrest until paroled. Fort Moultrie was named after William and Castle Pinckney was named after Charles Cotesworth. His father saved Snee Farm by proclaiming loyalty to the British. Colonel Pinckney died in 1782 and left Snee Farm to his son Charles.

discover family-friendly things to do at Charles pinckney national historic site

Enjoy the beauty and history of Charles Pinckney National Historic Site at no cost! The site offers a wealth of knowledge and experiences, making it a budget-friendly stop for families, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.
Take a leisurely walk along the short trails that weave through the grounds, offering a closer look at native plants and the serene landscape that was once part of a 715-acre plantation.
Learn about the history of indigo cultivation and its significance in colonial South Carolina. The site includes a dedicated area that highlights the importance of this “blue gold” and its impact on the region’s economy.
Check out the restored wooden rice trunk on the grounds—an innovative tool once used to control the flow of water into rice fields. It’s a fascinating reminder of the Lowcountry’s agricultural history and ingenuity.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the camellia gardens that grace the grounds. These stunning blooms add a vibrant touch of color, making them a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful moment of reflection
The dog-friendly grounds welcome your four-legged family members! Wander together along the paths or rest under the shade of the majestic oaks—just be sure to keep them leashed and pick up after them.
Pack a lunch and unwind at the picnic tables under the covered pavilion or find a shady spot beneath the sprawling oak trees. It’s a perfect setting to enjoy a meal surrounded by the beauty and history of the site.
Enhance your visit by exploring Boone Hall Plantation, located just minutes away. Pair your historic adventure with a stop at the Boone Hall Farm Stand for fresh, local produce and Southern treats.