Moncks Corner
Just north of Charleston and Summerville, Moncks Corner is located in Berkeley County. Population of over 6,000, this growing city is known for it´s "small town" charm and attracts many newcomers with it´s beautiful Cypress Gardens, Mepkin Abbey (Trappist Monastery and gardens), the historical Old Santee Canal Park, Stony Landing House and Stony Landing Plantation. If you like to fish, Moncks Corner is the place to be! There are fantastic freshwater fishing opportunities on the Santee Cooper Lake for crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass.
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According to historians, the origins of Moncks Corner dates back to 1738. Named after landowner Thomas
Monk, the town developed on the southeast corner of his Mitton Plantation as a trading post where the area´s Santee River planters went to sell their crops. It was not until 1856 when the Northeastern Railroad laid its tracks over portions of the former Mitton and Fairlawn plantations that five acres were set aside for a depot and town center for Moncks Corner.Located down the road from downtown Charleston, S.C. and I-26, this small town is filled with history dating back to pre-Revolutionary War. The history of Moncks Corner and Berkeley County is preserved at the Old Santee Canal Park, home of America's first true canal, the Santee Canal. The Berkeley Museum is also located at the Old Santee Canal Park.
Moncks Corner and Berkeley Country are filled with many outdoor activities with the area´s many lakes and forests. Lake Moultrie provides boating and water-skiing opportunities, and is famous for fishing. The Francis Marion National Forest is filled with wonderful campgrounds, hiking trails and recreation areas. Moncks Corner Area Attractions...
Cypress Gardens - covers 250 acres of Dean Hall Plantation on the Cooper River. In the spring, the garden is the setting for thousands of booming narcissus, daffodils, camellias and azaleas. You are invited to explore the gardens in the traditional manner, from a flat bottom boat. Let one of the expert boatmen do the paddling or paddle yourself. Visit the 2,500 sq. ft. butterfly house and the aquarium building housing fish and reptiles native to Santee Cooper Country. There are also two nature trails. Located 8 miles southeast of Moncks Corner on Cypress Garden Road (off Hwy. 52). Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (843) 553-0515. Admission charge.
St. James Church - Built in 1714, the Episcopal Church bears the Royal Arms of Great Britain over the chancel. For this reason it was spared by British soldiers during the American Revolution. Located in the pine woods off Old State Road ((Hwy 52) in Goose Creek. Free.
Biggins Church Ruins - Parish Church of St. Johns was founded in 1712. It was burned by forest fires in 1775 and restored, burned by Col. Coates of the British army in 1791 and again restored. Forest fires once again destroyed it in 1886. Three miles north of Moncks Corner on Hwy. 402.
Francis Marion´s Grave - The grave of South Carolina´s renowned "Swamp Fox" is located off SC 45 between SC 6 (Old # 6 Highway) and Eadytown on a portion of what was once Marion´s Belle Isle Family Plantation. Free.
Dennis Wildlife Center & Fish Hatchery - The center is the headquarters for fresh water fisheries and game management in the region. Displays explain the striped bass program and deer research done here. Located near Bonneau off Hwy 52. Open M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (843) 825-3387.
Francis Marion National Forest - An abundance of wildlife awaits visitors to the 245,000 acre park. This was once the battleground where General Francis Marion engaged Col. Banastre Tarleton´s British troops. Today it is the setting for campgrounds, hiking trails and recreation areas. Take Hwy. 52 to Hwy. 171, turn on Hwy 125 and look for the signs to the Witherbee Ranger Station. (843) 336-3248. Free.
Mepkin Abbey - Mepkin Plantation located on the Cooper River was the home of patriot Henry Laurens, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Mepkin plantation, burned by the British and again by the Union was last the home of Henry Luce (Editor and Publisher of Time & Life Magazines and Clare Booth Luce (dramatist, politician and diplomat), who are buried on the grounds. Their gift to the Catholic Church, it is now a monastery of extraordinary peace and beauty. Its gardens and chapel are open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located 13 miles SE of Moncks Corner off SC 402 on River Road. Guest master (843) 761-8509. Free.
Old Santee Canal Park - The 250 acre park offers a unique blend of natural wonders and colorful history . Here you can canoe through the southern terminus of an early 19th century canal or stroll on boardwalks through the wildlife-rich Biggins Creek basin. The interpretive center features an extensive display of exhibits depicting the natural beauty of the area and the use of canals for water transportation. Located just outside Moncks Corner off Rembert Dennis Blvd. (old Hwy 52 bypass). Open 9 a.m. daily (843) 899-5200.- Admission charge.
Berkeley County Museum - This 5,600 square foot state of the art exhibit hall is designed to reflect the historic architectural heritage of Berkeley county. Once inside you can journey through 12,000 years from the Cherokee Path to the nations first true canal. You can relive the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Located inside the entrance of the Old Santee Canal Park. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. (843) 899-5101. Admission Charge
Queen Mary II - Take a narrated tour of the Pinopolis Lock or the Cooper river on board the three level boat. The Boat climate controlled and has lunch, dinner and sunset cruises. It is also available for private parties and weddings. Reservations are required on cruises that serve meals. Call for times, dates and prices. Queen Mary II leaves from the Dock Restaurant off Hwy 52 in Moncks Corner. (843) 899-1564 or 1-800-582-4968
Festivals - Hell Hole Swamp , The 4th in Moncks Corner & Goose Creek, The Arts & Crafts, and May Festival.
(Summary adapted from http://www.santeecoopercountry.org/berkeley.html)
