Reconstruction Era National Historical Park • South Carolina

A two story brick building flanked by large live oak trees

A one story brick building with large arched windows

A park ranger holds a sign while talking to young people.

A Park Ranger points at the ruins of a tabby wall with three people looking on

A large white wooden building with red trim and a porch.

A large crowd of people gather in a field. In the foreground is an NPS sign

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.

Brick Baptist Church, located on the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, was home to the Penn School between 1862-1865
NPS Photo

The Old Beaufort Firehouse, located in downtown Beaufort, serves as the park headquarters and visitor center
NPS Photo

Ranger guided tours and programs are a great way to explore Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Hannah Hicks

Camp Saxton it partly located on SCDNR and US Navy Property. It was here that Black soldiers during the Civil War took their first steps towards citizenship.
NPS Photo/Daryl Averill Jr.

Darrah Hall is the oldest building on the campus of the Penn Center, and serves as the base of operations for the park in the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District
NPS Photo

The Penn Center is one of the park's partners to help preserve and tell the story of education during the Reconstruction Era
NPS Photo

Hours and seasons

Reservations and timed entry

Fees and passes

A tree branch frames a view of a marsh.

Use our top ten tips to plan your trip to Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

A ranger talking to a tour group.

Find out about special events occurring in and around the park.

Four kids stand with paper nurses and soldiers they made wearing junior ranger badges.

Learn how to become a junior ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

Collage of African American congressmen with The Reconstruction Era National Historic Network title

Learn about the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, a collection of sites associated with Reconstruction from across the nation.

Two women read an exhibit about identity and land ownership.

Find out what is happening at the park.

A map of Beaufort from 1863.

Explore the history and culture of Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

Last updated: September 21, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

706 Craven Street
Beaufort, SC 29902

Phone:

(843) 962-0039

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