The Reconstruction era, 1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economic, and labor systems, was a time of significant transformation. The people, places, and events in Beaufort County, South Carolina, reflect on the most important issues of this tumultuous time period.

Brick Baptist Church, located on the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, was home to the Penn School between 1862-1865

Brick Baptist Church

The Old Beaufort Firehouse, located in downtown Beaufort, serves as the park headquarters and visitor center

The Old Beaufort Fire House

Ranger guided tours and programs are a great way to explore Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

A Ranger Guided Tour at Brick Church

Camp Saxton it partly located on SCDNR and US Navy Property. It was here that Black soldiers during the Civil War took their first steps towards citizenship.

Camp Saxton

Darrah Hall is the oldest building on the campus of the Penn Center, and serves as the base of operations for the park in the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District

Darrah Hall

The Penn Center is one of the park's partners to help preserve and tell the story of education during the Reconstruction Era

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge