7 GUIDED TOURS FOR HISTORY BUFFS IN THE

OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped the Olde English District. From historic landmarks to scenic landscapes, this region is a haven for history buffs. These guided tours will take you deep into the past while revealing the rich heritage that defines the area.

1. Historic Brattonsville Tours

Explore 775 acres of Revolutionary War history at Historic Brattonsville, where you’ll dive into the lives of the Bratton family, walk the battlefield, and visit the African American Homestead. Guides here know their stuff, making the past feel real and engaging for all ages. Open Tuesday through Sunday, you can grab your ticket online until 3:30 p.m. (or show up in person until 4:30 p.m.). Keep in mind—Sunday is self-guided, but Tuesday-Saturday offers the full guided experience.

2. Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

Step into the home of South Carolina’s “Secession Governor,” William H. Gist, at the Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site. Guided tours of this South Carolina historic site offer insights into the life and times of the Gist family, as well as the lives of the enslaved people and tenant farmers who worked on the plantation. Beyond the historic house, you’ll find 19th-century gardens, nature trails, a brick kitchen, and a caretaker’s house that showcase the day-to-day life on a Southern estate. 

Note: Access to the historic house is only available through guided tours. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6-15), and $6 for South Carolina seniors. Tours are offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ground tours are available upon request.

3. Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site 

Enjoy the 107-acre Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site with a guided tour that takes you through the reconstructed 18th-century town. The guided tour at Historic Camden includes access to the interiors of the Kershaw Mansion, McCaa’s Tavern, and the 18th-century Craven House. Lasting about an hour, this tour gives a deeper dive into Camden’s Revolutionary War history. 

While on-site, you’ll also want to check out the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, filled with exhibits and artifacts that provide the key context of South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. 

4. Haunted Chester County Ghost Tours

Haunted Chester County Ghost Tours at the 1914 Jail is something you don’t want to miss. ust two days a year, the jail offers both ghost and paranormal tours of one of Chester County’s most haunted destinations. This four-story historic jail is the perfect setting for an unforgettable ghost tour. This year, the tours will be offered on November 1, 2024, and November 2, 2024. 

5. Cheraw Cell Phone Tours

Cheraw’s historic district offers plenty of history and charm, all of which you can explore through the Cell Phone Tours. While these are self-guided, the detailed instructions lead you to key sites like historic homes, churches, and spots tied to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Highlights include the Cheraw Lyceum and Market Hall. It’s an easy, tech-friendly way to dive into the rich cultural heritage of Cheraw at your own pace.

7. Fort Mill History Museum Tours

Fort Mill History Museum offers a variety of tours every year, including the FM History 101 Walking Tour This tour offers a look at the buildings, sculptures, and memorials that define downtown Fort Mill. 

Visitors can also experience the eerie side of Fort Mill with the Lanterns and Legends Walking Tour in the fall. Learn about the spooky stories behind the buildings, cemeteries, and landmarks in downtown Fort Mill. Guided by great storytellers, you’ll hear chilling tales and mysterious legends that have been passed down through generations. This year, the tours will be given on select nights starting October 3, 2024, through October 31, 2024.