Congress has designated the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day, a national holiday to honor the Presidents of the United States. Over the centuries, as many as 15 Presidents have visited South Carolina's Lowcountry. However, one of Charleston’s most memorable historical moments was George Washington’s visit in the spring of 1791.
During his Southern tour, Washington entered Horry County from North Carolina on April 27, 1791, and arrived in Georgetown on April 30. The next morning, Washington stopped at Hampton Plantation near present-day McClellanville to visit Eliza Lucas Pinckney and her daughter, Harriott Pinckney Horry. On May 1, Washington stayed overnight at Awendaw Barony, the plantation of Charleston’s Joseph Manigault.
The President departed early the next morning and stopped at Snee Farm, the country home of Governor Charles Pinckney, who was serving his second term as South Carolina’s governor. Alongside prominent Charleston leaders, Washington and Pinckney shared breakfast under a large oak tree at the estate. A silver spoon discovered during a 1930s restoration of Snee Farm is speculated to have been part of that morning’s service. The spoon was later donated to the National Park Service.
Washington and Pinckney then traveled to Haddrell’s Point in Mount Pleasant, where they caught a ferry to Prioleau’s Wharf, near today’s Waterfront Park. A large crowd welcomed them with “reiterated acclamations—the bells of St. Michael’s rang a joyful peal—and the Charleston Battalion of Artillery fired a federal salute.”
For more on Washington’s visit and the legacy of Charles Pinckney, one of the principal authors and signers of the U.S. Constitution, visit the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant, SC. Also known locally as "Charles Pinckney Park," the site at 1254 Long Point Road offers insight into Pinckney’s contributions and the lives of the enslaved African people on his estate.
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