Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is one of the most memorable ways to step into the Lowcountry’s earliest chapters without leaving Summerville. Set along the Ashley River, the park preserves the remains of a colonial trading town founded in 1697, where you can walk among quiet ruins, read interpretive signage, and picture daily life from long before the Revolutionary War.
Last Updated: 02/24/2026 8:41 pm
Plan on an easy, unhurried visit. The site is designed for wandering, with a self-paced feel that works for history lovers, families, photographers, and anyone who wants a peaceful outdoor break with real substance behind it.
Highlights include the tabby fort overlooking the river, the brick bell tower of St. George’s Anglican Church, and traces of the old wharf that are sometimes visible at low tide. Bring comfortable shoes for uneven ground, and consider packing water, especially in warmer months.
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Lovely location. Can see why people settled here. Signage was great. Learned a lot. Easy to see entire park in a short bit. Reading the headstones at the cemetery was fascinating and gave us a glimpse into some of the inhabitants.
It was nice to spend a first day of the year, ranger-led hike at this cool historic site with the archaeological remains of a 17th-century trading town (tabby fort, church bell tower, and a small cemetery). There are some walking trails near the Ashley River, picnic tables, and lots of acres to explore. You will "dig " it!
Nice place to visit if you are in the area. Once you park, there are signs to guide you along. And there are many displays to read about the place. Nice area to walk around. There is a fee of 3 dollars but there is no one to collect so you can just put it in collection box
Theres a $3 cash fee but it's beautifully kept and so amazing to see the remnants of the fort built out of tabby. So interesting! Picnic area was peaceful- clean restrooms.
Really cool historical park. They have some great signage and the park is well taken care of. Definitely worth checking out! Especially if you are a history buff.
