Beaufort County, SC, is steeped in rich history. A testament to the area’s storied past is the beauty and splendor of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. The church held its first service in 1757 and has since seen the best and worst of nearly 300 years of American history. Today, you can visit the ruins and uncover the story within its few remaining walls. As for all of the other amazing things that are waiting to be discovered in Beaufort County, downloading our Vacation Guide is the only way to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything during your trip to South Carolina. With all of the area’s best restaurants, historical landmarks, and exciting events, our Vacation Guide is your one-stop shop for planning the perfect getaway.
How to Catch a Glimpse of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Where Are the Ruins Located?
The Old Sheldon Church sits near the junction of Highway 21 and Highway 235, at the address of Old Sheldon Church Road, Yemassee, SC. The ruins are just a short drive north of Beaufort’s city center and no more than 20 minutes from all of the area’s top attractions. Visiting this historic site makes for a great excursion that still leaves you with plenty of daylight to explore the rest of Beaufort!
What Hours Are the Ruins Open?
One of the best things about the Ruins of the Old Sheldon Church is that they are free to visit and always open! Regardless of the time of year or time of day, the remains of the once-magnificent church are on display. Dusk or dawn, this historic attraction is well worth the trip!
Why Should You Go?
Beaufort is home to an incredible amount of beautiful churches, but even in its current state, the Old Sheldon Church sits near the top of the list. More than just an intriguing example of what 18th-century, Greek-Revival architecture looked like, the church is an important landmark and a piece of history that dates back to before The Revolutionary War.
It is widely believed that the church was used by the Patriots to store gunpowder during the war and was burned down by a British detachment led by commander Andrew Deveaux, leaving the church in the condition we see today. Whether you’re an admirer of American history or simply looking for an interesting way to spend a few hours, don’t leave a visit to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins out of your next trip to Beaufort!
Where to Stay Near the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
After spending the day exploring the beauty of Beaufort County, enjoy a luxurious stay at one of the best bed and breakfasts in all of South Carolina. The Cuthbert House Inn is a historic antebellum mansion that has been offering top-of-the-line accommodations and world-class amenities to guests for nearly 200 years.
While our inn certainly remains true to the area’s values of beauty and tradition, it also is equipped with everything today’s traveler might need. For example, our Oaks Room is a gorgeous guest room that feels like the 18th century but lives like the 21st. Featuring restored pine floors, old sash windows, a wall-mounted TV, and a black marble shower, the Oak Room is the epitome of decadence and modernity. Check the availability and book your stay now!
