History & Genealogy

The museum is a three-story 1830 Federal-style former home and ladies’ boarding school that was run by Catharine Ladd (1850-1870). Now a museum of local history, it houses collections spanning the area’s pre-history up until the early 20th century. Please call for information on current and upcoming programs. Genealogical records are located on the 2nd floor. Free admission. Open for tours: Mon–Fri: 10 am–5 pm, Sat: 10 am--2 pm. I-77, exit 34 or 48. Address mail to P.O. Box 6, Winnsboro, SC 29180. Follow the museum on FaceBook, also. Check out the film series based on the museum’s award-winning oral history project here. 

Take a step back in time with a visit to the Boykin Mill Pond community where grain is ground at the restored mill or watch as brooms are hand-made on 100 year-old original equipment at the Broom Place. Home of the Battle of Boykin’s Mill, this location has been named one of the top 10 Carolinas’ Civil War sites by Clint Johnson in his book, “Touring the Carolinas’ Civil War Sites”. Nearby is Swift Creek Baptist Church where generations of worshippers lifted their voices in prayer and Boykin Mill Store. Groups welcome and tours available.

The Historic Camden Foundation is a private 501(c)3 non-profit museum whose mission is to protect, preserve, and celebrate Camden’s extraordinary Colonial and Revolutionary War history. 107 acres sit atop the original 18th-century property of the city’s founder Joseph Kershaw and the fortified Revolutionary War-era town occupied by British General Cornwallis and Lord Rawdon’s men from 1780-81. General admission and self-guided tour prices are available on the website. Hours are Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1-5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Guided tours at 10:30am and 2:30pm.
 

Built on a hill, Historic Downtown Chester offers a unique blend of architectural styles, with many original Victorian-era facades. Monument Square features a stately Confederate monument, 19th century cistern designated a national landmark, authentic Civil War cannons and the historic Aaron Burr Rock. The nationally registered Historic District is composed of numerous churches, homes and other buildings. Walking tour brochures are available in boxes throughout town for visitors who want to explores on their own. Revolutionary War historical sites abound, including the county's Old Catholic Church and Cemetery, where 60 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. For more information, contact Chamber of Commerce or Downtown Development Association.

The society houses exhibits focusing on the county's history. There is also a gift shop, and a museum. Mon-Fri.: 10am-4pm. Located in the Chesterfield Visitors Center (Old Chesterfield County Courthouse).

Now in its 12th year of operations, the Inn is a luxurious, beautifully maintained Bed and Breakfast Inn with the aura of a small private boutique hotel. This 182 year old antebellum “Grand Dame” was moved in 1999 to 400-acre historic Craig Farm and completely restored to her former Greek revival grandeur. Recommended by Southern Living Magazine, Kilburnie attracts connoisseurs of sophisticated and relaxed comfort. All the beautifully furnished and commodious guestrooms have Bose Radios, fire-side seating and spacious bright private spa-like baths (two of which with fireplaces) all complete with hydro therapy whirlpools. The Inn has every modern amenity one would expect in an upscale hotel. Kilburnie’s quiet and expansive country setting belies its 30 miles proximity from Charlotte, NC. Kilburnie is known for its friendly European-laced hospitality and its gourmet breakfasts. There are nature trails to explore, gardens with seating benches, and three large piazzas with rocking chairs for quiet solitude or socializing. Guests enjoy tours of both Kilburnie and historic Craig House, the innkeeper’s private residence. The grounds and Palladian Pavilion are an exceptional setting for weddings and special events. Kilburnie is also ideal for groups of up to ten adults, making themselves home in this wonderful and very private estate. The Dutch-American innkeeper, Johannes Tromp, is the former General Manager of Windows on the World restaurant, which before 9/11 was one of New York City’s premier establishments. Kilburnie is inspected and approved by the South Carolina Bed and Breakfast association.