Site of Old Charles Towne

National Register Listing

Street Address:

Albemarle Point, Charleston, SC (Charleston County)

Alternate Name:

Charles Towne Landing State Park

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817710011

Description and Narrative:

(Charles Towne Landing State Park) The settlement of Carolina was planned as a planting and trading province by the Lords Proprietor, and the success of the venture came about through the efforts of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, after a 1664 settlement on the Cape Fear had failed. After a stormy voyage during which the vessels Albemarle and Port Royal were lost, the Carolina anchored off the Carolina coast and the settlers decided to plant at Kayawah. They arrived early in April 1670. This group was joined on May 23 by a sloop, The Three Brothers, that had come by way of Virginia. The settlement was located on the Ashley River in a country known by the Indians as Kayawah, and that is was on a point of land having a river on one side and marsh on the other, known as Albemarle Point. In November 1670, the colonists were informed that the town in which they were settled was to be known as Charles Towne. Threats of a Spanish invasion made the settlers quick to build fortifications. Both a broad trench and a palisade may likely have been used. Listed in the National Register December 17, 1969.

Period of Significance:

1670;before 1400;17th century;18th century;19th century;20th century

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Archeology: Historic - Aboriginal;Archeology: Prehistoric;Landscape Architecture;Community Planning and Development;Agriculture;Military;Politics/Government

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

December 17 1969

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