National Historical Park

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Southeast

About Reconstruction Era

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southeast
State: South Carolina
Designation: National Historical Park
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Reconstruction Era.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Park Hours

Mon: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. In addition, the park maintains several visitor centers and contact stations throughout the region.

Weather and when to go

Winters can be mild, with periods of cold weather. During the Spring and Fall, weather is typically nice, with highs in the 70s and 80s. Summers can be very hot, with high temperatures and high humidity. Located in a coastal region, the park is susceptible to hurricanes during the Summer and Fall.

Getting there

The park's visitor center is located at 706 Craven Street in Beaufort, South Carolina, directly across the street from the Beaufort Visitor Center in the Beaufort Arsenal, and next door to the downtown Beaufort Public Library.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 706 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone: (843) 962-0039
Email: reer_information@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/reer

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Reconstruction Era

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Reconstruction Era

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Visit the Frontlines of Freedom Exhibit

Museum Exhibits · about 40 min

Explore the “Frontlines of Freedom” exhibit at Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel to learn about the legacy of Camp Saxton and the 1st South Carolina Volunteers.
Explore the Lay of the Land Exhibit

Museum Exhibits · about 1 hour

Learn about the Reconstruction era in Beaufort at beyond at the "Lay of the Land" exhibit in the park visitor center in the Old Beaufort Firehouse.
Birding on the Capers Creek Trail

Birdwatching · about 40 min

Grab your binoculars and bring them to the Capers Creek Trail. More than 100 different bird species have been observed along the Capers Creek Trail, in the forest surrounding Darr…
Join a Ranger Program at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Guided Tours · about 40 min

Join a ranger for a program at any of our three sites: Downtown Beaufort, Darrah Hall, or Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel. Program time and days vary at each site; check our calendar to…
Hike the Capers Creek Trail

Hiking · about 40 min

Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. and the students of the Penn School on the Capers Creek Trail. This 0.25 mile trail through the woods of Saint Helena Island leads…
Become A B.A.R.K. Ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Hands-On · about 20 min

Bring your dog with you as you learn about the Reconstruction Era in Beaufort, South Carolina and they can earn their very own B.A.R.K. Ranger badge.