St. Helenaville Archaeological Site

National Register Listing

Street Address:

Address Restricted, St. Helena Island, SC (Beaufort County)

Alternate Name:

38BU931

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817707046

Description and Narrative:

St. Helenaville Archaeological Site is significant for its potential to yield information about the village of St. Helenaville. St. Helenaville was a small antebellum village and summer retreat located on the northeastern end of St. Helena Island. Situated on a pineland bluff area adjacent to Village Creek and overlooking St. Helena Sound, the village could be reached by water and by one of the island’s two major roads. By the late 1850s, St. Helenaville was a port of call; schooners and steamers stopping there transported much of the island’s cotton to the mainland. The village was most active during late spring and summer when most plantation owners moved their families to their summer cottages. Year-round residents were primarily widows and clergymen who occupied well-constructed houses. St. Helenaville was damaged by several major storms, which ultimately caused part of the village to fall into the sound. There is very little historical documentation of the village. Several remains of tabby and brick are evident. Because of the site’s integrity, intact archaeological features, and historical significance relative to the antebellum and postbellum period occupations are indicative of its potential to yield significant scientific data. Listed in the National Register October 6, 1988.

Period of Significance:

circa 1820 – 1870

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Archeology: Historic - Non-Aboriginal;Entertainment/Recreation

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

October 6 1988

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