About Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: South Carolina. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. In addition, the park maintains several visitor centers and contact stations throughout the region.
Activities
Current Alerts
Starting September 21, Darrah Hall will be temporarily closed for electrical work on the building.
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit the Frontlines of Freedom Exhibit
Explore the “Frontlines of Freedom” exhibit at Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel to learn about the legacy of Camp Saxton and the 1st…
Explore the Lay of the Land Exhibit
Learn about the Reconstruction era in Beaufort at beyond at the "Lay of the Land" exhibit in the park visitor…
Birding on the Capers Creek Trail
Grab your binoculars and bring them to the Capers Creek Trail. More than 100 different bird species have been observed…
Join a Ranger Program at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Join a ranger for a program at any of our three sites: Downtown Beaufort, Darrah Hall, or Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel. Program…
Hike the Capers Creek Trail
Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. and the students of the Penn School on the Capers Creek…
Become a Junior Ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Learn how you can earn your Junior Ranger badge at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Become A B.A.R.K. Ranger at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Bring your dog with you as you learn about the Reconstruction Era in Beaufort, South Carolina and they can earn their very…
Visitor Centers
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Visitor Center
The visitor center contains exhibits and information about the Reconstruction era in the low country, as well as information about visiting the various units of…