GARRISON WEEKENDS

During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the British Colony of South Carolina felt threatened by possible French & Native American military activities along the Southern Atlantic Seacoast. To alleviate this threat the colony constructed the tabby fort at the town of Dorchester. 250 years later, SC State Park staff, local volunteers, and members of the Independent Company of South Carolina bring back to life Dorchester’s rich history.

Visitors can interact with authentically clothed historic interpreters as they demonstrate tasks and skills common to the American Colonial period. Cooking, blacksmithing, medical practices, military drill, and musket firing are common demonstrations during a Garrison Weekend.

SUPPORT US

We appreciate your interest in Colonial Dorchester! We would be honored to receive your support by attending an upcoming program or joining us on Facebook. Tax deductible donations are welcomed and sincerely appreciated! Please send your check made payable to "Colonial Dorchester" by mail to:

Colonial Dorchester
C/O Ft. Dorchester Garrison
300 State Park RD
Summerville, SC 29485

HISTORY

An archaeological treasure, the park rests on the site of Dorchester, a trading town that flourished on the Ashley River inland from Charleston from 1697 through the Revolutionary War. Intact remains of the old town include the brick bell tower of St. George’s Anglican Church, a fort made of the oyster-shell concrete called tabby, and part of a log wharf visible at low tide. When the town was abandoned after the Revolution, the forest and later a community park protected the site, leaving remarkably undisturbed evidence of village life just beneath the surface.

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MISSION

The Independent Company of South Carolina, Fort Dorchester Garrison is a living historian volunteer group dedicated to bringing back to life the time period of the 1740's to 1760's in the Royal Colony of South Carolina. We are garrisoned at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site in Summerville, South Carolina with one of the only tabby forts that is still standing from the time period in North America.

VISIT

Upcoming program dates are listed below. Colonial Dorchester is available to the public daily.

Click to download a printable brochure that includes directions and further site information.