Attractions

This museum suffered extensive water damage when a main sprinkler line ruptured in a privately-owned space above the museum area. Unfortunately, very little of the interior–including the exhibits–is salvageable. Teams are working diligently to bring this spectacular space back to life. Meanwhile, the staff is providing regular programs, along with additional special experiences at the Museum of York County so that members and visitors may continue to enjoy interactive fun in an expanded early learning space. Updates will be placed in the website. 

This original site of the Yorkville Female Academy (founded in 1852) includes the 500-seat Lowry Family Theater. Noted for its remarkable acoustics, the historic theater has a lovely 1920s ambiance and hosts Culture and Heritage Museums’ annual Southern Sound Series and the Grand Ole McCelvey summer concert series. The mission of the Lowry Family Theater is to present the unique heritage of the Carolina Piedmont through the performing arts while maintaining a quality venue for community enrichment. Check website for concert dates and admission.

Pride in local history prompted the town of Sharon and a historical society to establish the museum in June 2003. In a rural setting the museum offers visitors an insight into local history in 5,000 square feet of exhibit space. Main exhibits include a 1930-1940 country kitchen, an 1860 Yorkville bedroom, an 1890s eclectic dining room and the War Room where veterans of Western York County are honored for their service. Open Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm and other times by appointment. Admission: Adults $5.00, Students $3.00, 12 and under free. Groups welcome. Select genealogical research documents from primarily Western York County. No paid researchers.

The Battle of Musgrove Mill was fought on this site near the Enoree River on August 19, 1780. A detachment of American militia engaged and defeated a superior British force composed almost entirely of loyalist troops. Occurring at a time when American prospects for winning the Revolution seemed to grow dimmer by the day, the success at Musgrove Mill bolstered patriot morale in the Carolina backcountry. The park consists of nearly 360 acres. Hours (Main Gate): Open year round, 9 am–6 pm daily; (Horseshoe Falls Road Area): sunrise to sundown, daily. (Visitor Center): Fri-Sun, 10 am--5 pm. Other days vary depending on season and available staff. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information, call or send the park an e-mail. Free park admission.

Lancaster County sits within the lands once held by the Catawba Indian Nation, and the current Catawba Reservation is located about 15 miles from the campus of USC Lancaster. With strong geographical and historical ties to the Catawba, USCL has begun to develop curricular and public programs focused on Native American art and culture, with a special emphasis on the Catawba and other Native communities in South Carolina. The Center houses the world’s largest single collection of Catawba Indian pottery, five galleries, the only archive in South Carolina devoted in Native American history and culture, an archaeology lab, meeting and classroom spaces, and more.  Launched in 2018, the Native American South Carolina Archive (NASCA) is a comprehensive digital archive for tribal histories, photos, correspondence, oral histories, and more (www.nativesouthcarolina.org). Every March, USCL hosts Native American Studies Week with lectures, performances, and arts and crafts sales. The gardens are a site on the summer SC Ag + Art Tour.  Admission is free.

The Courthouse (c. 1884) with its cupola and mansard roof replaced a Robert Mills Courthouse burned by Sherman. The First Secession meeting in the South was held at this location. Now home to the Chesterfield Visitors Center, it houses the genealogy society, historical society, art gallery, gift shop, museum and Chamber of Commerce office. Mon–Fri: 10 am–4 pm.

Old St. David's (c.1770) served as hospital and quarters for both sides during the American Revolution and the Civil War. This last colonial Anglican Church built in South Carolina has veterans from almost every war since the Revolution buried in its cemetery, and the oldest Confederate Monument (c.1867) in existence. The church is used frequently for weddings and may be reserved for a small fee. To visit the interior, a key may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce.