Fort San Felipe, Santa Elena, Charlesfort & San Marcos

The Santa Elena/Charlesfort site traces the history of early European settlement of Parris Island and South Carolina. The site covers the 1562 French settlement known as Charlesfort and the 1566-1587 Spanish village of Santa Elena. Remains of the Spanish forts San Felipe and San Marcos are still visible. There are interpretive exhibits on history and archaeology, monuments to the French and Spanish, a nature overlook and a nature/history trail. On occasion, archaeological work is carried out on the site. Driving tours and additional exhibits are available at the Parris Island Museum.

Getting There & Details

Address
Beaufort,SC 29902
Phone
(843) 228-2952
Map
Get Directions →

More Things to Do

Take the detour.

The extra miles are often where the story begins.

Baptist Church Of Beaufort

Organized in 1800, the building was erected in 1844 during the pastorate of Richard Fuller.…

Learn more →

Go where you feel alive.

Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.

Aqua Sports Inc – Sea Wolf Charter

Experience Charter fishing in Beaufort, SC. and Hilton Head Island South Carolina on a 35…

Learn more →

Somewhere between here and nowhere.

The spaces in between are often the most memorable.

Beaufort

The history of Beaufort is a mosaic of many people who have labored, loved and…

Learn more →

Pause when it feels right.

Some stops aren't on the map, but they're worth taking.

Ace Basin Tours

A three-hour history and nature tour of the salt marshes of the ACE Basin. Join…

Learn more →

Explore all of Beaufort →

Events in Beaufort