old sheldon church ruins

Was on a little vacation to Beaufort and decided to stop by. It was a slight rain but that actually set the mood for the area. When we walked in it was soooo breathtaking. The history and stories. We walked around reading all the tombstones and markers. All while taking plenty of pictures. When we first arrived there was soe people wandering and a couple taking wedding photos. After a little time we finally noticed we were alone and the place was sooo peaceful. We kinda hated to leave. This is a place that needs to be shared with the next generation. Plan on bringing our little niece and nephews soon.

This side of the pond is not rife with ruins. This place surpassed our expectations. One gets the sense that one is on hallowed ground here. And, you are. Contemplative. Beautiful. Meaningful. I highly recommend a visit.

It’s easy to see why so many people detour off Hwy 17 to visit the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Few historic ruins in South Carolina are as photogenic or as evocative of the Old South and the Lost Cause. Highly recommended!Be sure to check out the old grave markers, which tell great stories. And be careful crossing the road from the parking lot. The pedestrian crossing is poorly marked, and traffic really rips along the road here.

We discovered this place from an artist's photo at Picture This in Hilton Head. It was only a few miles from Route 17 on our way to Charleston. The church has seen a few fires and no longer has a roof or any glass. It did make us wonder about how other vibrant places fall into disrepair over time. Walking the ground and reading the headstones was enlightening - some were even recent.Parking is located across the street. Crossing the street can be dangerous - people speed by.

Just stunning. Whether you're Walking around, taking family photos or attending a wedding, this place will sure draw you in. The property is well maintained. Rich history. A must see.

Great stop off of I-95! Kids aged 13-7 really enjoyed spending about 30 minutes or so here. Lot's of historic significance and beautiful grounds. Parking is across the street. Be careful crossign the street, some locals do not slow down even for a large family with younger children.Grounds and ruins are amazing!

This place has an errie atomosphere but there is a historical appreciation that can't be denied. Off the beaten path but worth a stop if you are driving by - stop by and just take it all in. Ample parking across the street. Keep your wits about you if you are out there alone - there's something unnerving about the hunters gunfire going off in the distance when you are by yourself. Great place to take photos!

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins is a very special place to visit. The whole area has a special feeling to it, especially if you read up on the church history before you go. Coming from Charleston it took about an hour for me to drive there. The turn off sign is small and comes up fast so be on the lookout for the turn off of Rt. 17. Two miles in the church and grounds are on the right side and on the left is a gravel lot for parking. There is no fee for parking or entering the churchyard only a sign asking that you be respectful of the site, which is I think is a more than reasonable request.After you cross the street and before you enter the church yard turn to your left, there is a sign explaining a brief history of the church ruins standing before you.Upon crossing the street you see this massive brick structure standing among century old oaks with Spanish moss hanging from the branches. I couldn't take my eyes off of it and it left me speechless at the whole image before me. The church sits in a rather large "park" like setting with graves scattered around the property.Just inside the main gates are a few picnic tables to the left for a spot of lunch and if I had know I would have brought mine. But take note, there is no bathroom, so make sure you go before you visit.Some of the grave markers that are scattered around the yard are extremely old and are no longer legible. However some are and a few have recent dates, but most are very fragile so be careful around them.The church structure is huge as well as impressive. Remember the brickwork you are looking at was placed in the middle 1700's before the United States was a country. And while the church is just a shell now the walls and especially the columns that make up the ruins are just stunning to look at. Be sure to walk around the whole structure because every angle offers a different more spectacular view as the sun and shadows play among the ruinsThe ruins are open and walking into the ruins is easy, at one end is a small brick structure which I assume is part of the alter but I don't know for sure. When you are inside, look up at the top of the walls, there what appears to be scorch marks. Remember this church you're in was burned in the American Revolution and then again in the Civil War . But again I am only speculating, there is no guide or brochure at the site to explain, so do your homework before you go.I wouldn't say this is a great place for a family outing since I think kids would be bored with the site pretty fast, but as a nice little side trip it is a great option. As a whole, the site can be very romantic for couples, a place of peace for some, or just a nice place for a picnic.One VERY important note, watch your speed while driving down Rt. 17 there are police everywhere just waiting for speeders. The day I went I saw about 7-8 people pulled over, small town cops, county, and state cops.

Interesting place. You can still read some of the headstones! A lot of the church is still standing, which is a suprise.

Knowing this church was burnt two separate times in two separate wars was very interesting. Prior to visiting I didn't realize it was as old as it was.If you're on your way to Parris Island or Beaufort, this is a quick and easy stop that is well worth your time.

Just 5 minutes past 23 South to Beaufort. We visited in a downpour and still were able to take beautiful pictures. Well worth the trip. Serene and solemn. A "must do".

A very beautiful place to visit. The history is just amazing. We went around 4pm and it was a perfect time to take pictures with the sun making its way down through the trees. Very nice visit.

A little "off the beaten path", but worth the trip. Gorgeous tranquil setting for event or family photos, and a great opportunity to experience the low country. Don't skip the causeway just past the church ruins either! We just happened to miss the ruins on our first trip, and turned around at the next roadway on the left. It fell into a beautiful scenic causeway. SeaBirds were flocking and nesting in the trees, and locals were fishing and crabbing. Another incredible photo op... Now I insist my husband "detour" just to see the causeway...a hidden jewel of the low country.

This attraction is worth the hour drive from Hilton Head, the walls and columns are still standing after being burned by the British and Sherman's army. The old grave sites are really interesting and the close proximity to the adjacent road is kind of shocking,

Naturally, a church ruin is going to have its own special character, and this one is no different. It was very pleasant, quiet (except the locals do race down the street - be sure you are careful crossing else you become roadkill and need to be buried in the cemetery!) Look for signs that say "Sheldon Church" not "church ruins", and it is easy to drive past it, so slow down when you see the sign that says "historical marker" (that would be Sheldon Church). I spent a good 90 minutes here, but that's because I had changing light and I always "work it", shooting the site from multiple angles and distances. Those are what I call the gross shots - meaning the large scale, "I was here" stuff, which is totally awesome. But, don't overlook the small stuff - the greenery growing out of the base of the columns, the old wrought iron fence that's half tipped over, the variety of gravestones... I was there as the leaves were changing, and that provided another source of interest in the photo as well. I made the trip from Savannah (about an hour?) and was glad I did. Also, have to put a plug in for the Low Country Welcome Center on 17 just off I-95 - charming staff, great stuff in the store, and lots of goodies on places to visit. Not your normal welcome center by any means. It's on its own plantation, Frampton Plantation and civil war battles are reinacted behind the plantation house. Ditto for the country store on 17 - Carolina Cider Co - DELICIOUS authentic food (there are samples out to taste). Bought a bunch of great stuff to take home for Christmas gifts.